In teaching babies, one points to objects:
“Lamb.” “Food.” “Lamp.” “Spoon.”
One guides baby’s hand.

Still splotches of oatmeal smear onto chin,
drips of small drops.
The lamb sits with stitched lips.

Baby babbles, coos, and splatters what he eats.
Till one meal, with arms waving out staccato,
baby says “Foo—” and waits open-mouthed.