Bye Bye Baby

There was a miscarriage in my family, and I wrote this poem for her.

I thought you’d have blue eyes

And a tiny button nose

A toothless smile

Ten little fingers and toes



I imagined your laugh

Even your cry

The baby sounds you’d make

All the toys I’d buy



Bye Bye Baby

Goodbye for now

Bye Bye Baby

Just for now



I could smell your dirty diapers

And count the bottles you’d drink

I’d see you in your crib

And dread the hours you’d keep



I listened to the monitor

Counted every heart beat

Had to use the train or plane

Just to get you to eat



Bye Bye Baby

Goodbye for now

Bye Bye Baby

But only for now



I rocked you to sleep

And sang a lullaby

Held my tummy

And then began to cry



I promised to see you soon

And laid down on the bed

Sent you to a better place

Than this one I had imagined



Bye Bye Baby

Goodbye for now

Bye Bye Baby

But I promise, just for now