Mother's Poem

In a matter of days
you learned to
grab on tight,
little doll arm
curled around me,
sweet burr,
possum baby.
Your arms around
my neck: warm
noose, endless circle.

I carried you
from room to room
your head as heavy
as a cabbage;
I was always careful
of the doorjambs,
tiny albatross.

You weigh me down,
you anchor me.
After I set you down
you will carry me with you
like an awkward suitcase
all our days.