For nine months,

her breath, thoughts,

laughter, tears were mine.

I knew no world except

hers. I know no language

except mom’s.

Why then do you want to

mix venom in my milk,

dad?

Even the crows

and the hawks

celebrate the birth

of their own.

But I see the light flicker.

Make your arms my

wings, your lap my

home, lift me, hold me,

let me live, dad.

I will grow up to be a

pilot, policewoman, doctor,

engineer-dad.

Image Source: Rob, Joyce, Alex & Nova