I Have Somehow Arrived

When I'm wide awake at 3 AM

to run a hot shower

and sit on the floor in the steam,

rocking and praying aloud

into matted and tangled hair,

just beside the vent of cool air;

to sing "Farther Along" before

administering liquid Tylenol

from a stainless silver spoon

and a dose of Albuterol Sulfate

through a rubber fish mask;

to microwave and cool to tepid

caffeine free peppermint tea

and offer it in an Elmo sippy;

to prop her up on striped pillows

and cover her with a crazy quilt;

and to turn on Yo Gabba Gabba!;

when I'm able to let go calmly,
sweetly,

all my hopes for Thanksgiving

with my people, and his,

not to mention our three-day

babymoon in Sevierville;

when I care only that she rest

with no barking

inspiratory

stridor...

I feel it deep inside:

I have somehow arrived.