On Seeing a Nephew

Glistening, wondering, thinking, inquiring
In resplendent wonder, does your face show;
Head at angle, brow curled, hair asunder
With innocence, you decide friend or foe.

Safe, perched, finger in mouth
I watch with condescending pleasure;
Eyes, ears, fingers, toes
Small, shrunken down for good measure.

Back to your mother you look
Inquiring to watch her reaction;
Surely she would know the credentials
Of this heretofore unseen apparition.

Then back at me you look again
Lips mirroring the smile on hers;
Little one, in seconds few
I feel I have known you for years.