Iowa Writes

ELIZABETH DUFFY
Sweet Baby Anne
5 Oct. 2003


Sweet Anne, little baby in my arms
accepting the touch of my shaking hands.
I stroke your forehead
and bless you with my kisses.
Ten tiny fingers I count
and ten tiny toes, all perfect.
Fine dark hair like your daddy's
delicate nose like your grandma's.
I long to hear you coo or giggle
but silent you remain,? because, because.
Your newborn skin already swells tight
to seal forever your lovely pale blue eyes.
Your daddy takes you in his arms
and wraps you in a satin-trimmed blanket.
He covers your toes and your fingers
and finally, your now-shut eyes.
He kisses the bundle that is your body
and with tears surrenders you for burial.
Never will I hold you again, my Sweet Anne,
my stillborn baby; except in my heart.

About Iowa Writes

Since 2006, "Iowa Writes" has featured the work of Iowa-identified writers on The Daily Palette, and it has recently expanded its scope to include work published by Iowa journals and publishers. Curated by the staff of The Iowa Review, "Iowa Writes" features poetry, fiction, or nonfiction several times a week on the Palette. In November, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated Iowa City, Iowa, the world's third City of Literature, making the community part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Iowa City has joined Edinburgh, Scotland and Melbourne, Australia as UNESCO Cities of Literature.

Find out more about submitting at iowawrites.org


ELIZABETH DUFFY

Elizabeth Duffy, PhD—also published as Beth Anne Duffy—lives in Solon and is a former professor of international cultural linguistics. Dr. Duffy is actively writing, enjoys reading Russian and Celtic poetry, has written poetry about African Maasai women, and has recited poetry in Germany.

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