born at the right time
Down among the reeds and rushes
A baby boy was found
His eyes as clear as centuries
His silky hair was brown
there was much ado about when the baby would come. my sister’s due date was early October, maybe the 6th. her husband, the Marine, was away on the latest tour of duty. he could try to come back for his son’s birth, but was only allowed two weeks off. if the Fates didn’t cooperate, he could miss one of the most important moments of his life, and my sister would have to do it alone. this would all have to be timed just right.
my mother went out to California to help with the final month of the pregnancy. she had her own ideas- wouldn’t it be great if the baby were born on her own birthday, the 2nd? we all agreed that yes, that would be perfect timing. but we would have to wait and see.
i looked up a zodiac chart one day, while pondering on my nephew’s time of birth. if he met his due date, he was slated for a Leo moon (loves games and sports) and a Sagittarius rising sign (energetic, attracted to physical exercise). but if he came earlier, both of these could be pointed more toward a Gemini outlook (attracted to travel and learning, reading and writing). which would be best for my nephew?
somewhere among the noisy din of our speculation, baby Luke was born. he met his father, missed my mother’s birthday by a timezone or two, and showed a personality all his own. we forgot all of our expectations and pointless planning, and just marvelled at this new member of our family. it happened as it must. and it was perfect.
Never been lonely
Never been lied to
Never had to scuffle in fear
Nothing denied to
Born at the instant
The church bells chime
And the whole world whispering
Born at the right time