18 March 2021

Plans

I saw those two little lines and I had plans.

I felt sick and tired, but I had plans.

I had tests and scans, and I had plans.

I felt your first tiny wriggles and I had hope.

I chose your name.

I bought you clothes,

a pram, a car seat.

I dreamed of holding you,

wondered who you’d look like.

I couldn’t wait!

And then, the wait was over.

Because we all know what they say about the best-laid plans.

I held your tiny body in the palm of my hand.

I counted your fingers and toes – ten of each.

This was not what I planned.

A name, a breath, a cry, a life.

Now, just a memory.

No more plans, just a photograph.

Well-meaning words mean nothing,

Because we had plans.