You Never Made It Home

When someone you love leaves and never comes 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