I have reveled in the reckless abandon of youth

And sung full-throated the song of joy.

I have wept in the wake of terrible loss

And at the sacrifice of selfless women and men

I have walked into the mouth of chaos

And returned with order firmly restored

I have been an arrogant coward, and humbly brave,

And been lucky to find one who loves me.

But I have never felt, in all my days,

Through triumph and failure, both great and small

The wonder and awe that follows these words:

“We are going to have a baby.”

Birth Day    by J. Boyce Gleason