To a newborn daughter
Published
Topic
People
unshell softly into this world
wet rubbery small being
no repetition sullies
the amazing newness, wonder of you
damp, red and crumpled
scream with vast rage
and stretch out vulnerable hands
how I would protect you,
tiny maid
save you from the fearful sorrow
of growing and of knowing
perplexity and ambiguity
but cannot.
So unshell fiercely into life
grow firm and tall
find in the unfamiliar places, friends
Wendie Shaffer, September 1985/March 2001
(for Wilhelmijn Rinnoy-Kan)