I mended an old nightshirt yesterday
white cotton, cuffs worn
frayed and torn
It came with me to hospital when you were born
fresh from its maker then too

It was such a shock
a complete surprise: you had my eyes
And a tiny heart attached to my soul
the midwife forgot that bit

For years it still held the scent
of newborn You
embalmed in a brand new being
your animal smell earthy and ancient
christening white cotton