First in the dark world of a crying child
he will think you ruined his offspring
He’ll say “milk spoilt” and “mama’s boy”
Soon enough he will hate you and hold hostage
all the love he can wring from
a small terrified being
Then when the shining child smiles
and the damned underworld is seen
dank and relentless for what it is
he will see that you invented fire
He will see you kindled with your body
an illuminated being a soul devoted
a bright likeness of the father
He will love you He will bless you
He will try to make you His
Copyright © 2017 Heid E. Erdrich. This poem originally appeared in The Rumpus. Used with permission of the poet.