Janice Hale-Hobby

EARRINGS

Her slumping newborn body
balances roundly on her mother's breast
knows nothing of arrangements being made,
nor does she quake when passed
like something hallowed
into Father's careful hands.
A woman leads the family back
and gestures for Father to be seated.
Before the looking glass,
he turns his first-born over
like unearthed treasure seen first light.
Her screams pierce tears into my eyes.
Congratulations, beams the woman.
The young couple smiles at one another---
smiles full of baptisms and first communions,
quinceaneras and golden earrings
given on a wedding day.
She will wear earrings to the grave.