EMILY
Welcome to the world,
little one.
We're awfully glad you could make it.
And very pleased to meet you, indeed.
You have a lifetime of learning, ahead.
I should warn you,
some of the faster thrill rides
can be frightening.
And there will be bumps and scrapes
along the way.
But time enough for that, later.
For now, it's enough to say
that you have every potential in the world
right at this moment!
And you are surrounded by many
to love and care and teach
and help you grow.
Sweet dreams
and sweeter wakefulness,
friend.
1997