it was a single possibility
out of millions, maybe even billions

and in this reality
you're not born

in this reality
we never meet and i never rock
your tiny body
in the nook of my weathered arms

i never get to murmur your name
into a crowed room
with four white walls
a bittersweet syrup that rests
heavily atop my tongue

-

in the next reality
i'll meet you
little brother (or sister)