Crank (Crank 1)

10) Feeling my baby move

at 16 weeks exactly,

knowing it wasn’t gas,

but something—someone—

incredibly, remarkably, alive.

9) Calling Dad and getting

Linda Sue. Asking her

to define “hummer” before

imparting the fabulous news

that her boyfriend was

to become a grandpa.

8) My ultrasound—seeing a heart,

beating strong inside me.

Having my doctor

inform me that my baby

was all in one piece, then

suggest I shop “blue.”

7) My school counselor,

Mrs. Green, arranging

a home-study program

to let me graduate

right on schedule.

(Six days before I gave birth!)

6) Calling Grandma, expecting

a lecture and getting one—

about how every baby,

regardless of circumstances,

is an angel on a special mission.

5) Scott’s losing his anger

long enough to teach