Mary MacRae’s second collection
published Aug 10 by Second Light Publications. See order form (pdf file) for discount offers
post-natal depression
One fell off the fragile bridge,
others froze in horror.
Far below them, howling winds
and glimpse of raging water.
Four young women shared a house,
partied, shrieked with laughter.
All got married, scattered wide.
Three go on without her.
Driving rain, on clothes and skin;
you feel the great bridge shudder.
The baby knows there’s something wrong,
stares round and sees no mother.
Three go home. All night they weep;
why did no one save her?
while each, in fear, bears step by step,
a child across the water.
Poem published in Acumen and in collection, The Fragile Bridge