Flight

Seven thirty three,
I locked my fingers with yours
pushed your hair to one side and kissed your head -
Flowing raven locks,
I always envied, still now.

We sat and drank oceans of tea
listened to al green
waiting for you to come back.

We could hear their wailing
from down the hall.
Raided the nurses fridge.

I don't remember crying,
but I know we did.
I don't remember who was left holding the baby,
but I remember thinking,
when he is old enough
when he understands
he is going to blame himself for this.

The mothers have the hardest time,
they rarely survive the flight.