Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE FIRST YEAR, by RAY CLARKE ROSE


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE FIRST YEAR, by                    
First Line: The year is nearly gone, my child
Last Line: We couldn't do without you!
Subject(s): Babies; Children; Mothers; Parents; Infants; Childhood; Parenthood


The year is nearly gone, my child,
Your only year, or rather,
Four months have passed since first you smiled
Upon your blushing father.
The nurse scoffs at my unctuous claim
That you in infant frolic
Grinned at your dad; she vows that same
Grin meant a touch of colic.

When babes are new, so I am told,
Life bores them out of measure;
I know some "babies" gray and old
Who don't find life all pleasure.
You were a solemn little chap
When we became acquainted;
I dubbed you saint and watched you nap—
You 're not as fair as painted.

What lonely nights we walked the floor!
'T was I did all the walking.
And how you bawled! and how I swore—
And set the neighbors talking!
No doubt your voice will ring, some day,
Full eloquent and pure;
But don't be so ambitious, pray,
While yet so immature.

Still, darling infant, you are fair,
Though ofttimes passing doleful;
You look a cherub lying there,
With eyes so big and soulful.
If chance we spank your nether parts
And often seem to flout you—
Why, brightest jewel of our hearts,
We couldn't do without you!





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