Firstborn

Planned explosion in my lovers womb,
created life, natures ultimate boon.
Supreme delight, euphoric bliss,
radiant smile, nothing amiss.
Twenty weeks pass, time for a scan,
ultrasonic vision, things not to plan.
Cranial damage, too soon to see,
genetic problem, was it her or me?

Fortnight to wait, doctors reply,
Hope against hope, tears in our eye.
Twenty two weeks gone, time to reveal,
problem has worsened, one more appeal.
Fourteen days more, one final spin,
correction forthcoming? Bad hand to win.
Outcome arrives, brain with no spark,
Our beautiful soul, already in dark.

One last twist, this tale far too short.
twenty four weeks, too late to abort.
Laboured with pain, hours with no sleep,
Thirty seven in total, no outcome to keep.
My first daughter arrives, one final sigh,
She's already gone, no tears left to cry.
The hospital keeps, roses in all weather,
she's part of them now, remembered forever.