A Poem A Day 19

Child

Cells

dividing

Multiplying

Spinal cord and

nerves pulsating

Umbilicus draws life,

And blood, nutrient rich,
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?

Kerry Miller