you are
just born
your skin
all new and sensitive
nothing calloused nor toughened
everything good or bad feels abrasive
light is so bright
you react to the tiniest things
your eyes, your ears
cannot distinguish
the swirl of stimuli around you
maybe you cry
or roar with your voice
maybe you lash out
angry to be born
you're given food and warmth nonetheless
the comfort of voices near you
you feel pleasure
sleep a deep slumber
and slowly assimilate a self
assimilate a world