Little one

My eyes reflect confusion back at me
In this sterile, unfamiliar place
They cry at me with pain
As the needles prick tender skin

They scream at me with fear
With the relentless beeping of machines
They long for comfort
While they lay on a bed too hard for such a small body

They follow the shadows of strangers
In masks and coats who don't understand
How each touch tears both our worlds apart

But don't worry, we will be home by Monday
I whisper, my voice breaking
As I hold your fever-warm hand in mine
And try to be brave for both of us

Everyone says you have my eyes
But they don't see how my heart shatters
Watching those same eyes fill with tears
On the face of my baby boy
Who shouldn't know such pain so soon