On the Night You Were Born.

With thanks and apologies to Nancy Tillman.

On the night you were born,
Your parents had waited the previous week with such wonder
“Is he ever coming out?” they asked
And the doctor whispered, “It’s time to induce.”

Because apparently you were in no hurry to join our world
So enchanted were you with your cozy home
Until the first push of pitocin said it was time to go
It sailed through my bloodstream
The pain started to stir
Over every muscle
And through every nerve
Until everyone heard it
And everyone knew
That your mom was ready for her epidural.

A pain-free afternoon
The TV on full blare
Who knew Terry Crews was now
The host of ‘Millionaire’?

When 5:30 struck, the nurse came around
“It’s time to push,” she said
And our room filled with the sound
Of counting to three
Then counting to ten
Then exhaling and starting
All over again

Inside your mother’s head,
Images of cheeseburgers danced
For while you were most eagerly awaited
A day of ice chips made dinner just as anticipated

But you wouldn’t budge
Dinner would wait longer still
Next thing we knew
Your dad was dressed all in blue
And we were moved to an operating room
A bright ceiling light
Eyes welled with tears
A blast of warm air
Your dad’s voice in my ear

Then a push on my chest
The moment was near
“Oh, he’s big!” said the doctor
And I knew you were here

They asked for your name
We announced to the room
And all of the doctors let out a swoon
One of them went by the same
Which wasn’t the only coincidence that day
Another doc was from our Illinois hometown
Which felt like grandma’s way of saying
She was also around

We finally held you
We couldn’t believe our eyes
Mommy’s tummy was still empty
But somehow, she felt just fine
Staring at your little round cheeks
Covered with sesame seeds
OK, she was still really hungry
(This was hour 18.)

When all our friends heard,
They texted till dawn.
From faraway places,
Your new family flew in
The nurses stayed up until
Morning next day.
And your mom and dad, for once
Had no words to say.

So whenever you doubt just how special you are
And you wonder who loves you, how much and how far,
Look no further than your mom and your dad
Who can’t believe the year they’ve had
You might catch them staring as you play with your toys.
(They’re marveling at your magic, your spirit, your joy)
Or notice them laughing at whatever you do.
(It’s because they love every moment with you.)
If your mommy stays up until morning one day
Or your daddy gets on the floor and decides to play
Or they make silly faces and sing songs for a while
It’s because they’ll do anything to see you smile

For never before in story or rhyme
(not even once upon a time)
Has the world ever known a you, my friend
We were changed forever
And thankful till morn
On the wonderful, marvelous
Night you were born.