Jacob lost another tube today
Each time a small victory
A same-situation dad remarked
Born small with two heart holes
He's been on loan from the hospital ever since
Given line and
Reeled in, gasping,
After another set back or
For another procedure
Squeamish, I declined when offered
To cut his cord
But I would rend, maul and tear
The since acquired synthetic umbilicals
And their necessity
Not many left now
Soon he'll be released into our fretful, hopeful arms
So long in coming, so frightfully near.
