Stolen
— after Spring Hurlbut’s Le Jardin du sommeil, 1998
first
the forest
where they could be
at least
on uneven ground
they will have a chance to tip out
may be adopted by falling leaves
overgrown grass
the river might take them
or the sun
not
in wire and iron cots and cribs
where the metal mother keeps
unwanted tots
rust ribs painted white
and with her needle brain
sews their lips
shut
Louise Carson has published two books of poetry: Dog Poems (Aeolus House, 2020) and A Clearing (Signature Editions, 2015). Her poems have twice been selected for Best Canadian Poetry, in 2013 and 2021. She also writes mysteries and historical fiction. She lives near Montreal.