My Daughter in the Garden

One — two — three, she counts and drops
the seeds in shallow holes. Bye-bye,
she says. See you soon! Palms pat

the dampened soil. Hands clasp and twirl
a daisy stem. One — two — three, she counts
and plucks its tattered cape. Bye-bye, she calls

to each. Petals dip and scoop the air
in their narrow sails. Away! Away! A swallow
cries. Wings scissor the ragged sky. An aircraft

roars. Sound fills my chest and drains away.
One — two — three, I count the years. Chins tilt
skyward. Hands press cool glass. Bye-bye, I say.