the Moro reflex
is the only unlearned
fear in human newborns,
how the body startles
when it’s dropped back
sweet angel, we lay you
gently on your back
& your arms
lift up & out
like an umbrella
opening into rain
the Moro reflex is my life—
you’re falling with your arms out
so I’ll catch you so
you’ll never fall so you’ll
never learn a fear
