Clean Slate
I hold him close—
I feel his little heartbeat
Thumping against
My chest.
He’s new, no tampering,
No damaging of
His soul or spirit.
He cannot break anyone’s
Heart if he tried.
Not yet.
I whisper to him,
“When you get older,
Do not hurt the ones
You love and care for,”
He grunts.
I am unsure if he agrees
Or if he’s just
Responding as a gesture
Of contentment
For a full belly.
But, I am thankful
That he’s breathing…
That he’s here…
That I’m getting to
Know him.
He’s making me better.
A kind, gentle form
Of healing lives
In his fingertips.
I am reintroduced
To God’s handiwork
On miracles…
On love.
He took his time
And granted our family
With renewal of
Selves.
A clean slate —
One I needed to witness
In order to begin
Again.
Author’s Note: This little one (my youngest cousin) who lifts me up more than I can even put into words was born on October 7, 2017 weighing 7lbs, 5oz. Caison Michael Montgomery. He’s everything beautiful and good and I am in awe of his existence. A special thank you to my cousin for granting me permission to share this piece and our picture. Thank you for reading.
