Smattering Of Rosé Wine Poem by Mark Heathcote

You were born on a Tuesday
chock-full of beauty
I remember it like it was just yesterday
I remember you wore pink Aran Wool
you were in your hand-knitted cardigan
your darling mother made with love.
It had 6, tiny pink love heart buttons
it was a truly stunning day,
that day you were delivered.

I remember we were holding hands
I remember you squeezed my index finger
one forearm had a strawberry birthmark
smatterings of rosé wine
you were so beautiful.
the first child I-could-truly-hold & call mine
and call my very own.
I couldn't let you go.
I couldn't release you.
I sent all the midwives away; they could all go home
the sun was shining ever so brightly that day.

Ah, where does the time go, my daughter?
Now that I am a grandfather
you are supporting me, cradling me
where would I be without you; I wonder.
Where would I be - without my beautiful daughter?
I remember, light years ago
like it was yesterday,
picking cradle-cap off your head
looking at your jaundiced face and thinking
how blessed am I to hold you
How blessed am I for knowing you?