Fathers Lament

three nights past the new moon
blood worms spawn
slither free from mangrove silt
float to the surface
mating ritual consummated
they sacrifice themselves
to feed the fish
so the next generation may live.

three nights past the full moon
you sacrifice yourself
push and breathe
float to the surface of a dreams reality
cradle your swollen belly where she kicked

so close now

push that last push

cries scream an echo of tinnitus

silent
still as a porcelain doll
one arm malformed
skin blue
see through white

she is anointed in the tears
of each family member present
so she may live in our memories