“Birth: Old English byrðen, bur- of *ber-an to bear v.1, burden.” - Oxford English Dictionary Break me down, baby boy. I want to know you more. Tickle my nose, grab the bell of my throat, watch me unearth myself. Bleed me, tree me, spindle your limbs in me. Inhabit my core: rib, lung, mist & cloud, satchel of mush & mesh, O, here’s your room, a little womb, a wet galaxy for you–my yolk, my seed & sapling, seashell & mussel, caterpillar & chrysalis, globe & distant sun. Hold tight to this veined branch, my little lugnut. You’re spirit boy, trailing clouds of glory, Oh dust me divine & slip right through. They’ll cut you free, dear boy. Each day you’ll doddle further from me–God, bless me to bear it.