Night Noises

Half-heard noises disturb my sleep,

tomcats howling under my window,

foxes screaming in the woods,

a cockerel’s rasping cry.

I stumble sleepily into my baby’s room,

to hold, comfort, suckle.

But her room is empty,

of course, she’s gone,

left for college a month ago.

I hold my empty breasts,

return to my bed

to hug my pillow.