A poem by the Australian poet James McAuley, 1917-1976, speaking with a sad clarity for those who never got a chance at life.

Pietà

A year ago you came
Early into the light,
You lived a day and night
Then died; no-one to blame.

Once only, with one hand
Your mother in farewell
Touched you. I cannot tell,
I cannot understand

A thing so dark and deep,
So physical a loss:
One touch, and that was all

She had of you to keep.
Clean wounds, but terrible,
Are those made with the Cross.

James McAuley