The Life

The air has a chill today. I shiver, but it doesn’t help.

He tucks the blanket around me. He’s so proud.

“I’m right here,” he says. I know he always will be.

A tear drops on my cheek. I blink—it takes so much effort.

He brushes it away. “It’s ok,” he whispers. “I got you. Don’t worry.”

The sun watches through the window. So sunny, why am I so cold?

What I wouldn’t give to enjoy the sun.

Wind moves through the trees. I remember that sound.

Somewhere in it, I hear a voice calling out. Come and play.

I rest my head against his chest. “I will always be here.”

I am soothed by the rhythmic beat of his heart—so strong, so much love.

He leans closer. His voice catches. “You were so brave.”

For a moment, I look down into newborn eyes—I finally feel so warm.

I finally understand “mom.”