Before we begin

by Ben Gallagher

        Is a short life a waste
                or the point
     with cut flowers?

            And you, little legs sliding
     against inner ribs

                living through the birth moment
         like falling in love
             with a waxing moon

pull and revelation

                I figured we’d be scared

     forgetting how much like joy it is
                  to be uncertain
                about endings

— from Juniper Volume 2, Issue 1