OF
the baby, name lost. 1906. Spring born,
almond and blackthorn in bloom. Meadowsweet,
chickweed, petals of milk on her lips.
Spider-silk saliva from mouth to crab apple fists,
on Mother’s lap, the train from Kiev to Minsk
after the last harvest in Tiegenort.
Teething, feverish, pinpricked cheeks, Mother sings
Kniereiter to distract
—bouncing, bouncing baby.
