Haikus for Joaquin

First your bloody head
Then a pause, and suddenly
Your waxy body!

Your cry fills the air
We wait as the nurse checks you
You’re fine, she says. Yes!

We fret and worry
Are you getting enough milk?
How to know for sure?

Your mother’s milk comes
You vigorously suckle
We smile with relief.

At five each morning
Your mother comes to bring you
Though sleepy I smile.

No greater joy than
Holding you in my arms and
Singing you to sleep.

I stare at your face
Hear your noises, see your smiles
My heart comes undone.

Neither crib nor swing
Nor slider nor rocker works
Only loving arms.

My daughter, your mom
Lacking sleep, enduring cramps
All for love of you.

Mother to daughter
To son in one glorious line
Of unaltered love.

Babies are God’s gifts
They bring out the best in us
We give them our all.

Long after we’re gone
Will you still remember and
Feel the greatest love?

Joaquin Agustin
Cabugao Espiritu
We thank God for you!