You Never Made It Home

You left in the belly of spring
after buds nodding fulsome heads
burst into glorious, colourful song
my own belly curved gently

I recall you turned, smiling
as you stepped aboard
so certain you’d return

Summer became autumn;
a wondrous ochre landscape
that faded into winter white

I welcomed her arrival
tiny fingers a miracle
curved around one of mine
I felt your smile

Now I celebrate
first teeth, first words;
each milestone a treasure
For you never made it home