Newborns

This is the season of newborns;
Today alone I counted five.
You suddenly realize that each day
So many more humans arrive.

They look so pathetic and helpless;
Of course, they are also quite cute.
To see that their parents are beaming,
You don’t have to be so astute.

Who knows what these babies are thinking?
Are they missing the warmth of the womb?
They’re like little seedlings you water and tend,
So someday they’ll burst forth and bloom.

But meanwhile they sleep, stare, or suckle.
They grab on a finger and cling;
And passersby smile and remember
All the hope that a newborn can bring.

I want to advise these new parents
And hope that my wisdom will stick:
Enjoy every minute, so precious,
‘Cause babyhood’s over real quick.

And childhood will follow, believe me;
Your baby will soon disappear,
Replaced by a new improved version
Who’ll move further away every year.

So hold him or her very tightly
And savor his place on your breast,
‘Cause someday, before you’re quite ready,
You’ll find you’re alone in your nest.