I HAD RECENTLY HELD A BABY IN MY ARMS

Seeing a mother on the television
holding her infant, I lean forward in my chair,
remembering that I had recently held a baby in my arms—
and feeling washed clean by a rain.
It’s like one jewel from a chest
hidden in the depths of the old sea has floated anonymously
to the surface.

Sitting back in my chair, awake, I felt how alone I was,
sensing how much more vast the night desert is
than I remember—and that, right now,
I can’t go any farther than this.

(January 4, 2008)