Dan Wyke
Two Hearts
I couldn’t believe it.
Not an echo of the one above,
but a distinct throbbing,
with its own rhythm,
as if a bird had built a nest
beneath your ribs,
beating its wings when you were excited.
At night, I’d lie listening
to the sonar boom of its soft soles
stomping round your womb.
It was exactly like a baby,
kicking to be born.
Remember the doctor, his surprise,
fingers twitching on your belly -
It must be twins, he almost shouted,
before the results.
He said it explained your strength;
thought you would live to a hundred
He did not understand
that one heart
is too much to bear, breaking.
Not an echo of the one above,
but a distinct throbbing,
with its own rhythm,
as if a bird had built a nest
beneath your ribs,
beating its wings when you were excited.
At night, I’d lie listening
to the sonar boom of its soft soles
stomping round your womb.
It was exactly like a baby,
kicking to be born.
Remember the doctor, his surprise,
fingers twitching on your belly -
It must be twins, he almost shouted,
before the results.
He said it explained your strength;
thought you would live to a hundred
He did not understand
that one heart
is too much to bear, breaking.
Page(s) 101
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