4:40

A month ago I popped into the classroom of my friend Pamela Hunnisett. They were discussing a poetry assignment where the students had to write a poem that included five descriptions of things you see, four of things you hear, three of things you touch, two of things you smell, and one of something you taste. Pamela gave the assignment to me. Now, to be honest, I do not like poetry very much. I am not a fan of writing it or reading it. However, when Hunni gives me homework, I do not want to disappoint. Within an hour, I created something that I am quite pleased with. I thought I would add a visual element to it. Suffice it to say, I dedicate this to the precious soul who made me a father.

4:40

A strong voice wakens me and tells me it is time.

I quickly push against the softness under me

The sharp smell of sterility engulfs me

A cry of pain pierces into my heart

A cry of new life welcomes me

A red new soul in my arms

She is warm and squirms

She looks around her

I look at my watch

4:40, it reads.

I walk to the window

The sky is red like she is

A rosy odor of the blanket

A chorus of beeps and chimes

As she watches the sky, I watch her

A start to life, both for her and for me

I kiss her on her head, sweetness to my lips

Her skin feels damp. She gazes up at me her father

My world fills beyond my dreams. My new life at 4:40.