we check in
you like the pens
the nurse calls your name, "jane?"
we walk down the hall
sit in the chair
she comments on your big cheeks
ariel is her name
weight - then wait
the dr. comes in
her german accent is nice
she too comments on the "cheeks you still have"
she questions
and pokes
and smiles at you
"very healthy baby, see you in 3 months!"
the dreaded shots come in
i tell myself it's for your good
the deed is done
you don't cry long
out the door we go
to return another day
hopefully not too soon.
- poem i wrote for jane's one year checkup 07.11.10