i
She walks past you
features limp
protective hand in the small of her back.
You won't know that she bleeds too early.

ii
She rushes past mothercare
sideways glance at the cardboard baby
talcum powder clouds, cotton socks.
You won't know that there's an empty cot
at the foot of her bed.

iii
She soaks the sheets with tears and milk
full ******* that ache when your baby cries.
You will have been told that hers never woke,
and hold yours tighter as the nurse draws the curtain.