the infant

limp.
the week old infant
lay.
limp.
held by the grandmother.
limp.
the mother had died
at birth.
limp.
only a weak cry.
eyes glazing.

no milk.
no food.
limp.
only tea to give.
can you help?

limp.
the infant lay.

the sadness
tearing our hearts...

the reality of
this tragedy of
new life given.
and lost.

the small amount
we had, given.
no wet nurse?
try goat milk.
try anything.
god please.

the infant lay
limp.
the grandmother stood.
helpless.

and we watched.
helpless.

our tears of
sadness
lost deep
within
our pain.

why...
how...

the infant lay...

Sylvia D. Campbell, MD
May 1997