Aubade

You in your blue-striped hospital blanket, face furled like a bud.You in tiny sailor suit and cap,

in team jersey and sagging white pants, taking a mighty swing.You, greaved in body armor

and sweat at Lacrosse practice, suddenly taller than me. It is trueI rejoiced more in your gentleness

than in your beard, but still, I did rejoice in your beard and inlooking up at and leaning against you

in that way women are taught to look up to and lean against men.Forgive me for that, daughter,

and for my grief at your loss even though you never left, you areand always were still here.