crippled mothers like me

somewhere out there
a baby is warm and loved
and dying

somewhere out there
a mom is unraveling
around the ugliest words ever spoken

somewhere out there
a song, a place, a time, a season
is being ruined by association

somewhere out there
a woman’s body is being split open
in a silent hospital room

somewhere out there
a family is gathering around a tiny box
to say goodbye

somewhere out there
death is unpacking its suitcase
in the womb of hope and joy

somewhere out there
a crib is being dismantled
and baby blankets are being stored away

somewhere out there
is weeping and wailing
and bargaining and giving up

and somewhere out there
is where i send my prayers tonight,
into the hearts and minds
of crippled mothers like me