For Sophia Louise

A sleepful babe upon my chest
hides her soul,
                eyes closed beyond the veil.
In rest, I think her a cherub
on an ascending flight
to the eternal light,
invisible beings carrying.
                An unstrung kite
                in a hallowing wind
                toward the sun
                she’s sailing.
Awoken, an adolescent of innocence,
iconic innocence,
screams in terrific fear of God
tearing the veil of dream
and wake.
                Her six-inch sight reveals -
                finally, her cries abate.
                Hear what she has to say:
                        A sage of the sentry,
                        her limbs climb the air
                        opening her gated heart -
                        the uncut stone travels through her hair of gold.
                        A warrior of the wise,
                        her fresh cheek turns for
                        the milk of words
                        soon to be the meat of virtues -
                        she found the Mystery of Love in human disguise.
Even after all of this,
she still lies a babe with eyes unveiled
                sleepless upon my chest.