Braden

You were the culmination of my joy.
Filled with too much love
And gratitude, I had to split
Myself in two.

As you grew, so did I.
We read Maya Angelou
And ate strawberries
After our morning yoga.

Against conventional wisdom, we
Bathed in the sun.
To your father's horror, we
Rollerbladed downhill.

What can I say, you were
Fearless even then.
Your light and sense of adventure
Radiated through me.

I knew you would be the last
Baby I'd have. Knew each of your
Firsts would be my last.
Yet I never feared your fierce
Independence: when you'd
Crawl up in my lap, it was as
Though you never left.

You are my fearless heart.
My joy. my boy.

Dakota

I read Winnie the Pooh
Over and over,
Bought a new snow white book
With stark artistry,
Traded coffee for green tea,
Cigarettes for meditation.
In anticipation for my bundle,
I filled my head with joy.

You loved classical music,
Jumping and bounding
Against the steering wheel.

You made me stutter, so
Engrossed was I in making you.
I was lost in the mystery
Of growing a human.

And when you finally came,
Gentle and quiet,
Ancient wisdom in your eyes,
We gathered in awe
At what your aunt Darla called
The second coming.

Were you loved? oh yes, son.