Thirst

As enclosed in warmth, you nursed
My arms, a constant cradle, did sway
You never seemed to quench your thirst.

My son, when into this world you burst,
We wanted all your fears to allay
As enclosed in warmth, you nursed.

Though we wished you ignorant of the worst
That this hard world could convey,
You never seemed to quench your thirst.

We wished you to know love’s light first,
For joy heavier than grief to always weigh
As enclosed in warmth, you nursed.

Too soon in the world’s ways you’d be versed,
Your growing up we’d not be able to delay--
You never seemed to quench your thirst.

Your rosebud mouth against me pursed,
We rocked peaceful moments away.
As enclosed in warmth, you nursed,
You never seemed to quench your thirst.

[This poem first appeared in Dunes Review, Vol. 12, No. 2 Winter 2007/2008.]