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Family Census

Four live births
nine pregnancies
one stopping at four months
my father wrapping
the contents in newspaper
to bring downstairs for disposal.

On the final pregnancy
blood clots the size of a fist
the doctor saying I think you’ve lost it

and you—hands cupped
about my heart—refusing to let go.

FROM 'TIDES SHIFTING ACROSS MY SITTING ROOM FLOOR'

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Family Census Read by Anne Tannam
00:00 / 01:14
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