Poem for Little Ava, Age 2 years 4 months

Nani Has Two Shoulders, Ava

You come in crying, saying, “I want Nani to hold me,

I want to sleep on Nani’s shoulder!”

Don’t fret, Sweetie Pie, don’t be jealous

Because your baby cousin Lilly is sleeping on Nani Linda’s shoulder.

Nani has room in her heart

And on her shoulders for Lilly and you . . .

And really for many more.

Don’t fret, pretty Ava.

        [Bob Coughlin December 27, 2018]

Letter to My Grandchildren (Poem)

Letter to the Future: For Colin, Robby, and Ava

Boys, Ava,

Nobody will ever love you
The way I, we, Nana and I
Love you.

Someday,
A long way from here,
If you are ever in trouble,
Ever lonely, ever despair,

Ever wake in fear in the middle of the night,

Remember this:

Nothing you could ever do
Would separate our love from you.

            Bob Coughlin / October 9, 2016

Poem for My New Granddaughter

First Poem for Baby Ava

When Colin, your big brother, let your name slip,

I thought, what a beautiful, simple name!

It reminds me of wings, of butterflies and birds,

Monarchs and robins, swallowtails and cardinals.

And “Ava” hints at “Eve,” earth mother,

Mother of us all.

Little Ava, born into this beautiful family,

We welcome you

                        Into this crazy and wonderful world.

 [Bob Coughlin (Your Grampa) / July 27 and August 4, 2016]