Marissa

I met my 8 month old niece today,

and felt the warmth of new life in my arms

I wrapped them around her like a trusty sailors knot.

I had the feeling of wanting to introduce her,

to birds, to kittens, to airplanes, to the world.

all she wanted was my ice cream cone.

But I needed to make contact.

Eye contact.

So I stood her up on my thighs,

feeling her legs bare the weight of her body,

and she looked behind me, to the side of me,

But there was a moment, one sweet moment,

when she looked directly into my eyes

Hi sweetheart, hello Marrisa,

I humbly offer myself to her,

I am your uncle and will love you always.

She takes a shot at my ice cream.