Early Symptoms

Perfect pregnancy is formulaic, prepared
months ahead; first a house, then a goat,
a garden, friends with children. All smoking
and drinking ceased. At least two more years
of young marriage. A feeling described as “ready.”

The house felt cold that morning. I wore
thick socks and fleece sweaters. Sunlight
limited to low southern windows; the only
snow left hid in shadows. I considered
how many months before the light again.
Two lines, pink, innocent, appeared
immediately, to tell me unquestionably. Read more »