HELLO BABY

In 1999 my sister Whitney Schwartz was pregnant with her first child. I was so excited for this baby to arrive. My other sister Tami Olshan had already made me an uncle two years earlier with twins Jake and Zoey. For months, every time I saw Whitney I would feel her belly, talk to her belly, tickle her belly, sing into her belly, and tell her belly jokes. I wanted the new arrival to know my voice when it arrived. Months later Elijah Grahm Schwartz joined our family.

During that time I wrote this poem.

Hello Baby

by Michael J Herman ©1999 Michael J Herman All Rights Reserved

There is someone I am waiting to meet.

With little hands and little feet.

With a smile so big and bright

It will light the darkest night

I can’t wait to hold this little joy.

I don’t care if it’s a girl or if it’s a boy.

What will we do when this person grows up big and tall?

Will she be strong? Will he play ball?

 Make people stop and take heart?

Will they finish the things that they start?

Will they be like me in any way?

Who knows? Who’s to say?

Will the gentle touch of this baby’s hand

Help me to understand

My place in the world and what life can be

Oh, hurry-hurry baby,, and play with me.

I know you have much to do before you arrive.

You must grow and develop so you can thrive.

But remember this one thing above all others.

I’m not just your Uncle,

I’m your mommy’s brother.

Friday, July 9, 1999

Find Michael J Herman on Substack.com and at themotivationalminute.com