My Dear Alai

He looks at me with
a wonder and love that
makes my heart ache.

He makes my two arms
work like four as I
care for him.

His laughter, giggles, babbling
are like music to my soul
making it dance with love.

He smiles in the morning light
looking upon my face and I know
that he sees me like no other.

He curls up in my arms
and I know that I would
give my life or take another's
to protect him.

He is a gift from God
entrusted into my care to guide
him along God's path
until the day he walks this path
on his own.

He is my chance at redeeming my ancestors
to right wrongs,
to fulfill hopes,
to break the cycle of Han
that has followed me.

Into him I will pour
the love withheld,
the protection withheld,
the security withheld,
with the hope that a new
legacy will take shape in
this Defender of Man.