CRADLE AND ALL

I looked at the back of your neck
and stroked soft skin and silky hair.
I was filled with love and maternal longing.
Longing for that moment to stand still.

But moments do not desist for the asking.
So, I placed the gentleness that surrounded you
into my mind for keeps.
I wrapped you in your lush towel and remembered.

I have a picture of you, now.
You are standing with your back to the camera,
holding your baby over your shoulder.
Your neck makes me want to touch it and fondle your hair.

You hand your boy to me and I set him in my lap.
I stroke his precious, innocent neck while he kicks involuntarily,
as babies have done since the beginning.
My heart aches with the past and the future, moving at the speed of light.