Ode to a Missing Tooth

Before you peeked your pearly head into the world,
did you see the tiny baby in her crib?
What scenes of feeding and snuggling were observed?
Were little toes and fingers counted on her arrival?
Who wrapped and carried a precious bundle to the gate?
On a damp and chilly day, a bed was made to keep the foundling warm.
Did she cry amid the sounds and sighings of her infant peers?
Cold breezes foiled by heavy swaddling from which tiny faces peeked.
Awaiting sunny days to be pleasantly observed at open windows.
What sights you've witnessed that we will never know.

The tears and pain of your emergence are unrecorded.
Were fingers run across the gum to sense your new arrival?
Yes, little bibs were placed to catch the falling drool.
What joy you found in first bites of eel-fish soup and congee.
"Niu-niu" and "Ai Ni" the first words you helped her say.
Then we heard her gracious "Dat doo" mimicking our Thanks.
Cheerios and Gold Fish became a new and common treat.
And teething rings were grasped and gnawed in relief
as new arrivals join you in a happy smile.
What sights you've witnessed and shared in joy with us.

A visit to the dentist was greeted with elation.
X-rays record your unseen roots beneath the gum.
New brush and floss received with grateful fun.
She's cared for you with well known night routines
and waited with expectation the tiny wiggle that announced
a childhood era's arrival and a soon departed friend.
And so you go with fairies to a mysterious land and
leave her to the watchful eye of us who share your devotion.
We bid goodbye to you who kept a quiet record.
Your leaving announced unlike your mute arrival.