By Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes

Seven Poems Learned As A Stay-At-Home Father

Eight minutes
for sunlight to kiss earth

An unborn child’s love
reaching her father
before hands touch
the clock face of birth

~

Umbilical cords may be cut
but crying infants
cause a mother’s uterus to contract

~

When a child has her
grandmother’s toes
a uncle’s chin     grandpa’s eyes
she is eternal life

~

Sound of sunlight –
rain on car rooftops –
my daughter’s first word

–

Outgrown
sweaters   stocking caps

At two years old
a toddler is already leaving
home

–

Linear time ends
in laundromats
one thread spinning into another
permanently pressing
forever unfolding
love’s labor

–

Only four-year-old girls
can soothe worried fathers
with the words:

“You don’t have to be afraid   Daddy
turn on the lights!”

• Bio
• Latest Posts

Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes

Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes was born and raised in San Diego, California. He attended Herbert Hoover High School and went on to study Religion and Theology at the University of San Diego. His book Intimate Geography, published by Ragged Sky Press, won the 2012 San Diego Book Award for Poetry. Ish, as he is known, has also written lyrics for German musicians Andrea Hörkens and Thomas Roderburg (Tender Art).

Latest posts by Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes (see all)

• Word’s Out | Geo-Poetic Spaces - December 14, 2018
• Political Love Affair | Geo-Poetic Spaces - December 7, 2018
• Deer Tracks | Geo-Poetic Spaces - November 30, 2018