December Baby

To you, who stung the howl of winter's breath

before you got to see your mother's face,

and briskly braced a bitter birth bereft

of warming memories of her embrace,

You solace in your swaddle all alone

amidst a callous frost deprived of sun,

since when your blood is all the warmth you've known,

you insulate yourself from everyone.

December baby, spring will come--I know.

Although it isn't fair yours hasn't sprung, your baby sister needs someone who'll show

her how to catch a snowflake on her tongue.

December baby, I just wish you knew

that every snowflake dances just for you.

Nick Venegas