Babies Breath

Every breath is precious

A gently falling snowflake

A featherlight touch

A dandelion in the breeze

A single droplet in an ocean of intakes

And exhales.

I watch her breathing.

In

Out

In

Out

Small snuffles and hiccups of noise both endearing and

Exasperating

In

Out

In

Out

Pause.

Eyes snap open, alertness bursting in on all sides

Squeezing

My chest an ache of panic and I think–

In

Out

Just overreacting

Precious breathing into the night

Sweet and soft

Until the crying starts.