NEWBORN

some thoughts on the birth of our first grandson Leo

Newborn

 

but for these sweet moments

I let the babe sleep

I gaze in rapture

on him lying content

in the crook of my arm

 

newly teased

from womb to world

from dark to light

from warmth to chill

 

flesh of my flesh

my first grandchild

 

these few precious guileless months

of cooing, laughing, gurgling

crying in want, in hunger

before the fall puts word to tongue

words of praise, words of love

words of cunning, words of anger

 

the human stain

the serpents apple

 

but for this moment

the babe sleeps sweetly

newborn, innocent

this pause in time

 

but no blank canvas

his warp and weft

stretch backward and forward

begat upon begat

from past to future

 

from a grandmother, those green eyes

from an Irish bard, that love for words

from a roman peasant, the dimpled cheek

to a grandaughter, that red hair

 

but for this sweet moment

let the babe sleep

innocent as a lamb

for the moment …….

Reviews

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Congratulations on the birth of your new grandson Alan! Your beautiful poem is panoramic, ecstatic, poignant and contemplative. The photo is precious. Your eloquent, dramatic words convey so skillfilly the hesitancy- the holding of breath- the fragility of the moment...the hopes, the fears, the history, the love above all. Yes, “let the babe sleep” and may God bless him always.

[alanwgraham]

Sorry about these belated thanks for reading this. I was just saying to my son that for his son its as if he's spent his life in the dark of the deep ocean and entered another realm. What a shock!
Regards. Alan

[kentuck14]

Great poem Alan. I too am a grandfather (of five girls after raising 3 daughters). A daughter and granddaughter have red hair ---- from their Irish born great-grandma.

Love that 7th stanza.

I see you were a science teacher. I should post my tongue-cheek poem, "Things I learned while Thinking Science," for your comments.

Tom

[alanwgraham]

Thanks for you kind words Ken. We have had a great time with our first grandson and hopefully more to come. You must be kept busy.
Regards.
Alan

[kentuck14]

Naaaaahhh . . . Grand-kids are great because you get to enjoy them and either send them home or you go home. Yes . . . when they visit things can get busy!

Tom

[Amanda Trerotola]

Your poem is truly breathtaking. Precious!

[Neville]

Made me shudder & glow did these fine words... you and yours are truly blessed my friend, how lovely such a thing... I hope one day, each of mine will gift me something so precious and true......... Neville

[alanwgraham]

Thanks Neville. First time round you are too busy to fully appreciate but with our grandson we can enjoy and wonderfully all the hard work.
Cheers,
Alan

[Neville]

Tis always a pleasure....For the time being, I can but imagine, but remain optimistic.......enjoy my friend... Neville

[kitty]

Yes, I have wished that they could remain 'babes' forever ...in innocence!

[alanwgraham]

Thanks Kitty. Yes, enjoy the innocence while it lasts but there is always something new to look forward to.
All the best,
Alan

[kitty]

Maternal/paternal instincts are always evident.

[Sean C. Harrison]

A touching tribute to a baby. Your words were used sparingly as to denote a new life upon whose pages not much has been written.Well done

[alanwgraham]

Thanks Sean. We had our own three kids many years so this grandson is a new adventure and sense of wonder.
Cheers,
Alan

[wredit.jordan]

This is a beautiful and sweet read. Sometimes I worry, but this reminds me to just take one day at a time. Thank you!

[alanwgraham]

Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's a special time having grandchildren to enjoy.
All the best,
Alan

[Pscanlon123]

Congratulations on the birth of your new grandson Alan! Your beautiful poem is panoramic, ecstatic, poignant and contemplative. The photo is precious. Your eloquent, dramatic words convey so skillfilly the hesitancy- the holding of breath- the fragility of the moment...the hopes, the fears, the history, the love above all.

[alanwgraham]

Thanks. It has been wonderful enjoying a new life developing and we are lucky to be close. I was looking forward to reading your writing but I see the cupboard is bare. You must get started and share.
Good luck.
Alan

[Ranger Kessel]

Congrats and my best wishes. I enjoyed the read as well.

[Ms Paragon]

Precious moments,precious photo,precious poem!

[Chris Shaw]

Delightful write, something wonderful about the innocence of a new born. I have three grandchildren and they all live with me. Make the most of that precious time, they grow up! Very much enjoyed. Lovely photograph to accompany your words. Congratulations by the way.

[alanwgraham]

Thanks Christine, It is a lovely time to enjoy and to experience the regeneration of life. Wow, you must have lots of energy to have three staying with you. (or probably very tired!)
All the best,
Alan

[Chris Shaw]

It's very hard work Alan, but very worthwhile.