A newborn
Cries upon
Seeing the world
For the first time
Harsh white light
Noise and confusion
Tossed from the deep
Serenity of the womb

Harbinger, perhaps
Of the nature of life
Moving from peace
To tumult
And back again?
Little child
Innocent to the patterns
Of the years
To come

Yet held so close
In a mother’s arms
There is comfort
Warmth and love
Who would then return
To the isolation of before
Once they are wrapped
In such regard?

(c) Helen Valentina 2013, All Rights Reserved