A Bad Year For Babies (1984) (Poetry)

In retrospect it would appear
it was an ill-conceived idea
to bear a child in that portentous year.

I wish I’d picked a better date
not tempted the cruel hand of fate
now realization’s come — but way too late.

I’ve no excuse — I read the book
the clues were there and yet I took
no notice — wore that dazed madonna look...

So, no surprise how things turned out
my feelings counted less than nowt —
she grew within and left without
                                        (a word)