I couldn't tell you where I first read this poem, but it moved me.This life, filled with its daily lessons, some good, some great, and some that completely change you, poems like this are just brilliant to me. The fact that someone writes words that move others so much, I think, is a precious gift, and wanted to share one of the millions of works I've read, so hopefully you are moved as well.
BABYSKIN: NOTES FOR A GRANDCHILD Barbara Adams
At first, you will get all that you want— milk, sleep, softness, warmth, and love for nothing.
Then, gradually, you will get to know pain, fear, disgust, loneliness through your soft babyskin.
For a long time, if you are a lucky one, you will enjoy timeless fun—
running, throwing, singing, skipping, and giggling in the dark
games of hide and seek. For a long time, if you are a lucky one,
the worst you will suffer is broken skin or bone, the fever of a cold and happy goosebumps. Then, precious heir, suddenly one day
Time begins and you will want what you can’t always get— lobster, French wine, down bed, cradling arms, love for nothing.
You will try to keep what can’t be saved— joy, peace, content, and soft babyskin.
You will come down
the chronic fever, incurable, the weariness and chill of a broken promise, a frozen dream,
and the thrill of a breakable heart.
Finally, my innocent descendant, you will learn to sing (if you’re an heir of mine) of pain, disgust, hate, and loneliness.
But you will not be afraid if you know all this and love someone—or two—for nothing.
You will live, then, as well as can be expected till your babyskin is tough as mine.
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