[Lucille Clifton] june 20

i will be born in one week

to a frowned forehead of a woman

and a man whose fingers will itch

to enter me. she will crochet

a dress for me of silver

and he will carry me in it.

they will do for each other

all that they can

but it will not be enough.

none of us know that we will not

smile again for years,

that she will not live long.

in one week i will emerge face first

into their temporary joy.

 

 

 

- Lucille Clifton.