Niece

Such astounding separateness
have you achieved this first day,
so long reclusively needy,
quickly become distinctive and self-willed.
They said you were born
eyes wide open, eager for light,
curious to proceed having couraged thus far,
hungry for knowing.
And later,
as the face settles into familiar lineaments,
I find you, niece,
smiling my smile,
eyes akin
gazing with personable affection
and frank delight.
And I, childless, am glad
that you are so closely allied to my being
that you are the vicarious wonder
I shall always revere as the first.