abandoned dairy
a windmill pumps
phantom water
in the distance
cows lowing
Free Verse
Cocoon
I dreamt the
twin
slipped through the
midwife's hands.
Yet when I awoke,
there was only one.
She placed her in my arms,
tiny face warped,
membranes where
eyes ought to be.
I couldn't unwrap her,
couldn't lift my arms,
open my hands.
The midwife unfolded
the blanket I'd embroidered
with rosebuds.
Stubs for feet,
nipples for fingers,
a purple butterfly on her chest.
She mewed,
hands thrashed,
tentacle fingers
grasping.
I clasped her to my breast.
Her heart beat weakly,
the butterfly pulsing.
She drank my strength,
my will to flee.
Still I ponder
the one I dreamt,
the bundle in the midwife's
crimson hands.
