It was as much as she could do
To enter the room, let alone
Draw the dark curtains and go to
The white cot all silent and bare

And stare at the now empty space.
It was as much as she could do
To hear a baby cry from some
Distant pram, let alone hold some

Other's sweet child and hold it near
And feel the heart beat steady there.
It was as much as she could bear
To feel a baby's touch, for hers

Had died, and the pain too much to
Sense the feel of one, sense its clutch.
It was as much as she could do
To hear her baby's name in soft

Conversation or in other's
Words in the air for her to share,
With the image haunting, to make
Her stare into her palm and know

The harm that loss of child can bring
And know death's hurt is in the sting.