First Breath

I try to open my eyes. I must adjust

to this new environment:

a completely different climate.

I hear sounds I’ve never heard

before. I take a look around.

From what I can tell, all is well.

My eyes adapt to the bright

light hovering above me.

I say goodbye to the home

I grew up in: a place warm

and cozy. I cry because I was

taken from my shelter.

I don’t know what this life has in store

for me. My heart beats fast, and I take

my first breath. I desperately try

to find a sign that it will be fine.

I feel my head press against

warm skin. It feels like heaven.

I move my head back and see

a beautiful woman holding me

tight. I feel safe. This must be

my mom. I look in her eyes and get

lost. I fall into a trance, as I glace into

her soul. I begin to calm down and slow

my breathing. What a divine meeting.

“Welcome, my sweet Finley.

We have been expecting you.”

The angelic words tickle my ears.

I take another breath and stretch out wide

So, this is what it feels like to be outside.

I wrap my little hand around an

approaching finger. I grip tight.

It feels right. This must be my dad.

“I love you, son. Welcome home.”

He says, as he rubs my soft head.

I am grateful to breathe my first breath.