By Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2022

First published in What is All This Sweet Work? A Poetry Anthology by Vita Brevis Press, Volume IV (October, 2022)

I held him in my arms,
and spoke to him,
a ruddy face and
tiny body —premature and wriggling;

A miracle of life
that in past hours
fought to survive
tearing of vital cords.

Recalling each warning
of what could be,
each doctor said
to temper hopes.

Heedless, I called
my son by name,
and instantly
he turned toward me.

It might have been,
the slightest sign,
but in my heart,
I felt great joy.

Nothing could tear,
the love I felt,
holding him close,
wrapped, comforted.

Twin joys, I held
the other now,
with sense of peace
cascading hope,
and love for them
no matter what transpired.