I watched my baby sleeping
Soft, pink globes on an angel
Luring my caress as I was peeking
I wondered if he felt my eyes upon him
Silence echoed the room’s peace
Cold rushing gusts outside the window
My newborn, protected by his sentinel fleece
As he slept on without a care
With flannels on, I went to lie in bed
Socks on my feet, hot tea beside me
Coverings wrapped me to my head
I was tucked in like a swaddled babe
I read until my eyes could stand no more
Their lids, an anvil falling to the ground
There was no return from this worn shore
Wave after wave had driven the sand to the sea
A cozy corner settee, a love story in hand
Vistas of tropical, warm destinations
Then warm burritos beside a palm-fringed stand
My mother’s arms embracing my dreams
I sailed the Caribbean seas, flew to distant places
Smelled luscious, spicy aromas in every scene
Warmed my happiness and joy in all the muted faces
I did not know a single actor in these reels
I could not reach the veil that hid their identities
As soon as I reached, I was sent to another location
Dismissed in the distance, like floating parentheses
A sleeping baby at each stop, floating in dreamy mist
My mouth called out to the baby; I knew him by name
No words came from his mouth
My cries were silent, just the same
He slumbered in a cocoon of warmth
I tussled beneath my cave of layered coverings
Cuddled in their comfort, but I did not wake
No cries were heard for a diaper change
I opened my eyes all the same and stared at my bundle
Sweet confections paled beside his own
I lay there transfixed, like a magnet to him
Nothing, no one around; I was alone
Next to my love, my child, my dream
A blaring sound came forth
Reality was cleaved from dream
An alarm sounded, threatening my warmth
Ripping me from my dream within a dream
I knew what came next
Cold toes on oak planks of ice sheeting
Leaving my covers left me vexed
Ten more minutes in my goose-down shelter
I felt the longing before I saw him missing
My baby had not yet come, and I had not yet named him
Months of waiting remained, the dream: teasing
I stayed in bed as my blankets whispered
Come back to bed; it’s autumn
Doze off some more; you’ll need it
I’ll keep you cozy, comforted by my bosom
Until your infant’s warmth is all you’ll desire
Silence echoed the room’s peace
Cold rushing gusts outside the window
My newborn, protected by his sentinel fleece
He slept on without a care, when he was finally there
(Published in Poets on Vocal, 2026)
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