Ukelele baby

Before birth you
learned the rhythms of the ukulele
the bumps of the tow-path
the roll of the sea as she
strummed
strode
swam majestic
baby-floated.

Dormouse new-born,
you know so early how to shape-shift
flex with hunger
pummel my chest
tread my lap.

When she takes you
your toes clench
then milk-warmed
spread in rapture.

Ann Segrave