Child
Cells
dividing
Multiplying
Spinal cord and
nerves pulsating
Umbilicus draws life,
And blood, nutrient rich,
fecund, sustaining. A heartbeat
fecund, sustaining. A heartbeat
flutters, rhythm forming.
Child, what kind of world is waiting?
Are there loving arms, abundance, hope?
or rejection, pain, torment, despair? Will
your yet unopened eyes see love? Or conflict,
insecurity and lack? Will
your forming limbs be
nourished and grow strong?
Or turn bent and frail
from deprivation and disease? And your heart – will
it grow large and loving, succoured by sweet nurture,
giving,
or shrivel small from fear and hate, depriving. Will you become
one who nourishes, protects and strengthens, or succumb to
victimhood, or worse, repeat oppression?
Child, what kind of world is waiting?
