a welcome and goodbye

he
wise
with a wry smile
and dry wit
rough cheeks
and a woodcherry pipe
my favourite memory
a careening boat
on lake baptiste
watching him
come into view
my childhood bags
in hand.
i am
his
niece

she
unknowing
pure
soft cheeks
yet to feel my kiss
all our memories
yet to come
welcome child
we will hold you
tight
your years ahead
to share.
you are
my
niece