Helen Bond - Patchwork moments

GONE

I wanted to say goodbye
But the baby was crying
The kids needed breakfast
And I was putting the washing on

I heard the car start;
I wanted to run out into the yard and throw my arms
around you and giggle at the love we made last night,

But the baby was crying
The kids needed breakfast
And I was putting the washing on

I heard the gate open;
I wanted to dash into your arms,
Kiss your newly smoothed chin and feel the warmth of your breath

But the baby was crying
The kids needed breakfast
And I was putting the washing on

I heard the gates close, and it was too late
I thought I would phone you; say things like I used to
Make promises for your return

After the baby stopped crying
The kids had had breakfast
And I'd hung the washing out.

But then the moment was gone.