The Back Room of Memory

The Back Room of Memory  
with a nod to George Bilgere for the title 

You pushed your way out
five weeks early, fast labor
I wasn’t ready   

Hadn’t met your doctor yet
—the meet-and-greet
set three weeks hence 
He shows up now
unexpected    somber
five hours after your birth

the only time we had
for cuddling— 
You, trying to latch on
while I crooned 
your bright future
 
When life tumbles 
inside out     upside down   
a landslide swallows
your home
or volcanoes spew ash 
blocking the sun 

No summer.
Like that.