Vessel I
Womb, bath, cradle
shadow on an ultrasound
a caul holding dark promise
cradle, bowl, bath
damp child slips through your fingers
hides his growing body from you
bath, boat, chair
adrift in a lake of thought
soaking love-pains away
chair, cradle, shell
prise off the carapace
whisper in the tiny ears
shell, boat, cradle
so scared, the crossed feet cover
his balls, knees protect the heart
cradle, casket, boat
head rises from his strong neck,
full of dreams, flies in amber
boat, casket, tomb
once-loved lump of a man
lost in ash-coloured light
tomb, cradle, womb
Jenny Mayor c 2010