Whilst struggling to get my daughter, aged about 2, into a tight
polo necked jumper, she suddenly said “it’s like being borned”.

–Jane, Edinburgh UK, in Guardian’s “Notes and Queries”

I’ve done everything headfirst. Pressed on into
this world. Which was painful. Felt as though
my brain would burst when it was time to go.
But push came to shove; I had to go through.
With breath, I cried and squirmed, not used to
gravity’s pull. Nor to static electricity, the air’s
force that makes friction cause the fine hairs
on your head to stand up. But wobbly like goo
-wobbly-legged I mean– I too stood upright.
Soon enough, I started to walk; then to run.
I’ve since flown, even—for business and fun!
And then for my last birthday I got this too tight
polo-neck jumper (as bright blue as mavourneen)
to remind me how, and how long ago, it’s been.