BABYTALK
Because of Michael
I listen to my
baby talk
baby talk
into the dark of a sleep-still
room.
Beneath the moon
a
jet lands
a car sings by
and the leaves of a sapling applaud
a clever night breeze.
He's speaking words of his own invention
a song of good and happy thoughts
no lies.
He is what I was
unlimited.
His mother and I lie arm for arm
leg on leg, sharing
a long unguarded border
like shadows of each other
in suspended animation.
I ignore the cramp that bids me move
as long as I can.
BEFORE WE DRAW THE LINE
The World is both within us
and without us
Before we draw the line.
When we have not yet slowed
our rising forward fall
up into life.
We still trail clouds of glory.
We still own all that we perceive.
We permeate our universe
and grow diffusing
through the ether of experience.
Clear jello with little colored
spots
spreading out toward each other
each color cloud an individual
life.
You're East to me, I'm West to you
our colors mix in the middle
and there's a new shade in the
rainbow.
When we as toddlers become other persons
than those that elders see
those elders call us make-believe-
the persons that we know ourselves to be.
Jessica's Waltz
Dance—
and I'll hold you near.
You dance divinely,
tho your feet don't touch the ground.
Sway—
in the air up here...
lean on my chest and then
laugh as I whirl you around!
Oh, you're my little girl.
You're a joy and a beauty to know.
When you smile, I feel good-
and that's why I'm pinching your toe . . . .
You—
are a child of love.
Gentle and joyful,
dancing your way through the world.
You float—
like the clouds above...
Go where the wind goes,
my light-hearted, light-headed girl!
Oh, you're my little girl.
You're a joy and a beauty to know.
When you smile, I feel good-
and that's why I'm pinching your toe . . . .
Cry—
and the rain comes down.
Smile, and the sun shines,
laugh, and the sky turns to blue.
Frown—
and I'll be your clown...
nasty or nice, girl,
you know that I'll always love you!