8 June 2026 In Poetry By Ainsleigh Brandler

Wren 

Inside my womb where you safely grew
Nine months and an entire lifetime loving you 
Our hearts beat in sync, the sweetest sound 
Mother and daughter intrinsically bound

Our baby girl, born soundly sleeping 
Your silent cry, our endless weeping 

You knew no suffering, no pain or grief 
Only love and tenderness, this we believe

Memorising every inch of your perfect face
That our fingers got to so lovingly trace 

We achingly said our final goodbye 
Our empty arms, our unanswered "why"?

We cherish every treasured keepsake 
Something to ease the heavy heartache 
Your perfect handprints cast in a mould 
A tangible something for us to hold

Carrying you from conception to birth 
You form our world, our entire earth 
Although your life was far too swift 
You will forever be our greatest gift

Until we get to meet you again 
Fly high little bird, our precious Wren

@ainsleigh_writes

A poem I wrote for a dear friend whose daughter ran ahead too soon

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8 June 2026 In Poetry By Ainsleigh Brandler

Notting Hill, Unscripted 

I tried to go shopping in Notting Hill today
I thought if I packed enough snacks, it would be ok.
The tube ride was great, it kept you occupied
But as soon as we got off, you cried and cried.

I forgot there was no lift, so I hauled you up the steps
Grateful to a kind stranger and his strong biceps.

You screamed as I entered the first store
So I placed in your hand a couple of veggie straws.
All I wanted was a browse, a quick little look
But you threw it on the floor, along with your book.

Then the heavens opened all over me
As you kicked the rain cover off your buggy.

Tears streaming down, your face getting redder
Spitting out your food—goodbye mini cheddar.

Now we’re both soaked, a miserable mess
Far from home - this wasn’t worth the stress.
Drenched and defeated, this outing a flop
This is not the season to try and shop.

And one thing’s for certain—my toddler calls the shots.
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