The baby, softly breathing on my chest
offers me his fuzzy scalp to kiss.
His warmth is on my belly
his lips against my breast.
He’s ready to embrace.
Strapped on firmly as I work and walk and rest
my baby, softly sleeping, fills my abyss.
He’s heavy on my body
but easy on my heart.
He’s ready to embrace.
He’s my emblem of peace.
(First published in An Endless Afternoon)