Growth

As far back as human history goes
we have marveled at our progeny
from the time of tribes and hunts
to this our capricious digital age
there is pride and wonder
in our children.

Holding my niece
listening to her incessant,
pointed, shockingly coherent chatter
I am amazed
not only by her loquacious tongue
but her height, her strength,
her dexterity
over weeks she leaps
cognitive chasms with alacrity.

And this feeling
so special, so wholly mine
and my family's
stretches back and back and back
to plains and huts and the miracle of fire
when woman first gave birth
and life began.