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poem by

heidi l. nance

Jamie

You make noises like dolphins
coming up for air
ears, whorled, shell pink and rubbery
Little piggy noises while feeding
breathing like a yogi (in through the nose) nostrils wide as cups, gulping air raspily (out through the mouth) sideburns (never seen on a baby)
waving and wafting ears tulip-wristed, long of finger and strong of bone

You laugh in your sleep
and suckle my breast with gentleness,
gratitude
Your cap of hair waves around your head
like petals
The doctor gave you an outie,
you have the Nance build and the McCrory features
You grip my hand

Little man, who will you love in your life?
What mountain will crack open your soul?
And, oh, as I let you go – what will become of mine?