Recently my cousin Patricia—who is more like my sister—sent a photo of this bouquet of flowers to me and a some others. Below the picture was a brief message, that her daughter Michelle is pregnant for the first time. Michelle is forty-nine and one of my former students. Here are my thoughts regarding Michelle's pregnancy. 

I woke rather late this morning,

Noticing the light from outside

Was unusually bright for January. 

Then, when I looked out the window

From the quietness of our bedroom,

I noticed a most lovely winter scene

Had been painted across the landscape. 

And the way winter’s garment clothed

All the naked bushes and tree limbs,

I was overwhelmed by a rush of excitement. 

Next, the sound of a text message rang out. 

My sister-like cousin Patricia had sent me—

As well as a group of others—

A brightly colored display of cut flowers. 

But along with this brilliant bouquet

Was a glorious message to warm the heart:

She and her husband Wayland

Had been sworn to secrecy

By their daughter Michelle,

Age forty-nine, and her husband Jack

Who are expecting their first child in June. 

This message was met with unbridled joy.

First, because of my closeness to Patricia,

But also there’s my feelings for Michelle,

Since her days as my student so long ago. 

Always one to be at home with nature,

Michelle’s gift to the literary world

Could not be equaled during the time

I was blessed to challenge young minds. 

Now, as we await the arrival of this

Tiny gift that rests peacefully 

In the safety of its mother’s womb,

We can’t help but wonder what lies ahead

For one so precious as Baby Tiernan. 

And as it’s been since days of old that

. . . God blessed them and said

unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply,

and replenish the earth . . . (Genesis 1:28).

©️Copyright 2020 By David Lee Thompson