I never kept a baby book for you,

Never carefully charted inches and milestones

So you could one day see and I could

Prove I loved you.

This must be my evidence-

That I had finally learned how to play,

How to guide;

I drank up your air and built a treasury of raised eyebrows and sideways smiles.

I taught your siblings to enjoy your baby ways and to make room for your growing curiosity.

I saved your life ten thousand times, and each, the gasping pain and fear felt fresh and new-

You wanted to fly!

I pray you do.