This is an excerpt from Snow On A Crocus by Joan Swift.

Genetics

A mouse has done this, and the common swallow,
lemur catta. Among the leaves and grasses
they kill their young to keep tomorrow.
A mouse has done this and the common swallow.
You wrap your child in fear and instinct, sorrow,
place her deep where sunlight never passes.
A mouse has done this, and the common swallow,
lemur catta among the leaves and grasses.