Silence, listen,
Do you hear it?
*a breath*
It’s the sign of life.
The signal of hope.

*a breath*
A baby’s first sound.
Crying, screaming.
Oh the joy,
The signal of a miracle.

*a breath*
A child’s scream
Piercing the night.
A mother’s comfort
Calms the child.

*a breath*
A runner’s first race,
Crossing the finish line,
The crowd cheers—
He has won.

*a breath (gasp)*
A gasp
The sound of
Great joy, surprise
He kneels, opens the box.

*a breath (gasp)*
A vision of white.
Caught in his throat.
Astonishment, happiness,
The touch of their lips.

*a breath*
The feeling on your neck.
Warm, close.
Heart beating fast
Every night by your side.

*a breath*
Life goes by.
Babies, grandbabies.
The cycle of life
Completes over and again.

*a breath*
Life is gone.
Over.
Then—*a breath (gasp)*
The sight you lived your whole life to see.

Silence, listen,
Do you hear it?
*a breath*
It’s the sign of life.
The signal of hope. ©