The First Hour I Loved You

The First Hour I Loved You

I remember the hour
I started to love you.
She stared at her feet and the floor
And said, "I'm going to have a baby."
So much travelled through my heart at that moment!
Fear, worry, concern, love,
And yes, some anger, too.
Seventeen was too young, too fragile and so scary!
And yet, in all these tortured emotions
One soaring joy sang out-You were coming!
And my life would change forever.
It was spring, and you would come in winter,
When the world would celebrate another, sacred birth.
I remember the summer, and her growing tummy.
I remember the fall, full of promise and plans.
I saw the last roses of November and thought
"I'll be holding you when I see roses again."
Then we gave thanks, and trimmed our tree.
Our gifts were given and received. We waited.
Three days passed...then you were born!
I've never seen eyes so beautiful and so deep.
Your skin-so soft! Your cooing was my music,
And oh! To breathe in the scent of you!
Holding you close while you slept
Was the sweetest rest I've known.
Your first words, first crawls, first steps;
You learned to walk...then run!
We had so much fun when we were playing,
Or reading or singing songs!
You have been my dearest little friend
And no words I can find
Say this better; "I have loved you all of your life
And will love you all of mine."
For my Kristen, from her mama.