Descender

After Cavafy

Body, remember each
small, unwilled movement.
Each one is a fist or heel
of someone I will love.

Remember the way my skin
moves to my own amazement.
The way each reposition
ripples outwards into view.

This new person is already
working their way
towards me with a will
neither of us understands.

This small person will be
among us soon. Already
their lungs strengthen,
their skeleton lengthens.

As each tiny bone
readjusts constantly
to the given space – all
this, remember, body.

Poetry Review, Spring 2013