for Joel and Eve's

dear baby,

you arrived on the dregs of autumn,

a cascade of brilliant fire from every tree

that graced your mother’s walk.

know this of your father:

he is limestone under moonlight.

know this of your mother:

she is all roots and water.

know this of their people:

they are scattered, but harbors,

every one with a lantern out for you.

(you, small one will grow fat on loving.)

what a welcome this world has for you -

what weary hands and spirits

are so grateful that you’ve come.

love,

one small light