Welcome

You were a surprise
both in announcement
and arrival-
Our first child, we were novice.

But somehow I knew you were coming-
two weeks before the date on the calendar,
when I went to bed early, saying
“maybe tonite”.

Your father sat stunned in the half light
as I fell asleep.

Early the next morning
your journey began,
and you hustled-
arriving before noon.

They said that the January day
was the warmest they’d seen-
folks shedding their coats
and heading outside.

Surprise.

I sat in bed holding you in my arms,
your eyes those of a familiar stranger.
My fingers brushed across your face,
your fingers curled into tiny fists.

The warmth of the day beckoning,
the sunlight holding us both,
I’m at home right here.
“Welcome to the world,” I murmured,
“Welcome to the world, baby boy.”