For Zach

The first three months he wasn't there, his infant eyes would blankly stare, his parents thought he couldn't see, and wrestled with anxiety. I guess his soul then chose to stay, suddenly, he was there one day, his eyes met mine, he smiled and cooed, and woke each day in a joyous mood. My God, what a precious child was he! And, oh, I loved him desperately. On every night, he was held and rocked, and ancient stories he was taught. He learned the songs both Swiss and Scot, which stirred deep memories long forgot. This dear child's soul was old and wise, you could see it in his eyes. Blond hair in ringlets, truth be told, as if by magic, spun from gold. This beloved child is all grown now, the years flew past, I wonder how. I long to do it all once more, to hold the child I so adored, I hold, instead, the memories, of Alpine hikes and deep blue seas. And white-sand walks on Siesta Key, of life so safe and trouble-free. I see the man this child's become, full of pride for Zach, my son. I know my life of helplessness because of him's not meaningless. He's such a gift to humanity, this child who ran beside the sea. And I am awed and humbled, too: I was only born to give birth to you. So all my years of pain and strife were worth it all, to give you life. ©Danielle White