Mama’s Den

After long days

in her womb’s hold,

a panda mother waits—

deep in a den,

a tight hollow,

for her cub to come.

Today he arrives—

a mini bundle,

slipping to the world

with a small cry.

She lifts him,

mouth gentle,

head lolling out one side,

back paws dangling free—

her breath a warm cloak

on this floppy

little spark,

cradling life with a grin.