BEFORE

I see you, daughter

before a smile or a frown

turns the corners of your mouth

before your heart aches or skips a joyful beat

I see you

I hear you, son

before you mutter

a desperate plea for help

before a hallelujah rises to your lips

I hear you

I know you

while forming in your mother’s womb

before your first intake of breath

and your eyes adjust to the light

I know you

I love you, child

before the heavens were flung wide with stars

I knew there would be you

and on your journey

through this winding narrow road

I have loved you