You're new and unexpected as the dawn.
I called you a happy surprise, so it was true.
The innocence I thought I'd lost is gone.
I'll give but won't give up my hopes to you.
How can I buy your who knows what? How can
I teach you things I haven't learned?
Will I love you well enough? Plan
A life? Be gentle, firm, concerned?
I'm waiting for your birthday like you will.
I wonder what we'll do and what you're like.
I wonder when to act, when to be still.
I'll teach you how to add, to ride a bike,
Not to kick Mommy, from the front seat on
A roller coaster, waiting for the dawn.
February 20, 1993