In the space of one semester

In the last four months, I have learned so much that is new. I know how to change a diaper, burp a baby, bathe her and change her outfit. I have the toys for distraction. I can talk baby-talk and heat up food with just one hand. I know I never need to set an alarm for waking up. 

I know the extent of her clothing better than I know my own, and I know how much laundry it takes. She changes 3-5 outfits a day and her neck is wet with milk and drool. 

I know her tired eyes and offended eyes, tired eyes and sleepy eyes, aching eyes and whining eyes and her pick-me-up eyes. I know how much of her crying I can take. I know love, too, can turn to rage and back again. 

I wonder what she will turn out to be. I am blessed by the moments when she is happy, and in someone else's hands. 

Language

All our lives

We think, speak, and breathe in you, 

And you betray us all with this 

Illusion of truth 

You spread like the vilest of rumors

Mouth to ear
Here, so near, 

Seeping, soaking.