Elena Bird

Elena Bird

A delicate, spritely hazel-eyed bird

emerges into the light, sailing past

milestones of first smile, first chuckle, first word

first step. Now, at toddlerhood, I hold fast

to each flashing moment, in awe of her

elemental drive towards independence.

I, now a Nonni, sing to her joyous

life force, as she dances her resplendence.

From the age of thirty, my birthday wish: 

please let me live long enough to cherish

the time I have to help my children bloom

to adulthood. This wish has come true.

And now a new longing: let me abide

long enough for her to remember me.

Author: Thomasina Levy

Photo: Jonathan Borba on Unsplash