To My Daughter: Aria Beth

You are alive—aware,
A unique being;
I marvel at you as I hold you close
Your soft steady breaths tickle my arm
And I cherish your limp, sleeping form
Molded into my own.
I feel your heart beating against my breast;
You are separate,
You are you.
I bury my nose in your hair
Drinking in your sweet, familiar smell,
Relishing the circle of peace surrounding us—
Where are your thoughts, little one?

You are emerging
Your delicate leaves unfurling
I see you each day exerting your will
And no longer doubt your humanness.
At times I’m shocked by you
And wonder how to respond
To such fits and moods.
You are separate,
You are you.
I accept you, dear Gift,
Delighting in these fleeting moments
Growing in love,
Embracing you.

Date: March 22, 2006
Location: Hyderabad, India

After nursing Aria one evening, I held her sleeping form close to my own, drinking in her sweet smell and cherishing the dear little breaths tickling my arm. It inspired me to write a poem to her.

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