holding a baby

the person holding the baby
in the photograph
is mildly happy,
a wide grimace showing teeth
stained with
lipstick.
an aunt perhaps,
or friend who stopped by
to see the small child,
finally months
after the well announced birth.
her hands are wrapped
around the baby's mid section,
holding it away,
as if he or she
might be wet,
or worse.
I suspect a boy, the clue
being the blue
socks
and bow tie.
a small suit that
predicts
what might lie ahead
and a look of annoyance
on his round face.