Lea Nicole

You have been pushed into this world
without a dime, credit cards
cab fare to the station, or the names
and numbers of strange relatives and
relative strangers in Cleveland, Boston, Detroit--

you cry at the slap of birth
the cold air, hands and voices
caring without care
feeling without feeling.
Soon you will cry
in the gnaw for first milk
the trust of our eyes, the warmth of our hands
later to be left alone
and to be forgiven--

cry now, while someone listens
for all those beyond your dry tears
for those who know your name.

First published Negative Capability (1987).