thought first of them, their, pleasure, their pain their needs
then some other, then yourself

brought them through the most holy sacred gate they will enter ever
into the world and into a human life
it can be readily said, you gave them the very first gift
before the gods at the cradle round bestow those precious others
you clothed them in flesh gave them their first form

what cells and man and fashion could give you gave first
before your gift there was nothing and your giving-self
made every other giving possible

when the first cry is heard it calls your name
when each searching hand first reaches out it reaches out for yours
when you press the tiny lips to your breast 
and smell those first tender breathes

those sweet gardens scents are meant for you alone
as tiny fingers first begin the long lonely search 
they search first for you

never is this new being more beautiful,
than when seen with your eye
never is the kind of blessing given, 
than that given from your eye and heart

no wonder
the mother is so universally blessed
no wonder such special blessedness belongs first and last to mothers

she has given so much of her flesh, and her heart

the first gifts