2000-pound bombs continue

to drop on the people of Gaza

survivors receive pounds

of bloodied flesh in plastic

bags instead of the bodies

of their loved ones

154 lbs for an adult

62 lbs for a child

I remember when I was

a little girl my dad

brought home a meatpack

from the rugby clubrooms raffle

how we smiled and crowded around

to celebrate his win
but this, this is no prize
the dead

weight of it in

my hands
and I ask how many pounds

for a day-old baby?
as her soul inflates

the bag

floating skyward

like a helium-filled

balloon