On Being Born

Buddhists say we choose our own
parents.   Who would choose ours?
Imagine my spirit coming down
to Earth, 'The grandmother's crazy
the dad, he will die young'
(Do they know that?)
'The mum is a bundle of nerves
but they'll love you
and need you.'
(Do spirits want to be wanted?)
And I love them
and you love yours

We are not
the Royal Straight Flush
but there are so many hands

If I were a spirit
coming down from the stars
I would hold onto us
because friendship lasts