Sam Szanto

After a Stillbirth

He had been told the trolley
would be in the corridor at noon.
He could get sandwiches.
It was normally for mothers only

but they’d make an exception.
His wife won’t eat anything.
He has to do something.
He cannot sit and be nothing.

He queues behind
a woman holding a tiny baby,
a woman holding a tiny baby,
a woman holding a tiny baby.

He watches the garrulous juggle,
baby, Diet Coke, sandwich.
They don’t seem to notice him
until he stretches out a hand

for a dry egg and cress.
The server says,
“The trolley is for mothers only.”