Knowing

Would we have behaved differently
that last time if we had known?
Instead of saying 'See you soon'
in that blithe manner devoid of doubt,
might we have clung to each other,
reaffirmed our love with kisses and tears?
Had we seen the untouched months ahead –
our ears attuned to the buzz of messages
our fingers practised in the art of text,
laughter and smiles transformed into emojis –
would we have chosen our words
with the greater care of foresight?
Might I have clung to my grandchild,
held her tight, crushed her tiny bones?