he arrived in the middle of night
had been sent by his mother
to sneak her grandchildren away

he had been tasked to return
before the break of dawn
with two boys and one girl
the baby would have to stay

but his sister kept the girl as well
so he would not be overburdened
so the baby would have a sitter
when she was sent to the fields

he left with reluctance
not wanting to disappoint his mother
not wanting to delay the trek

he saved his nephews’ lives
but it was the last time
he saw his niece