Try Again

I sheltered your pain that day, just here, between the beats of my heart.

I saw how your face fell, soft and slack,

eyes moist with unbearable news.

Empty womb.

The words ricocheted around the sterile room,

and landed

with the grace of a Mack truck right at your gut.

I saw your chest cave in,

As if every last bit of breath was abandoning your body.

"Breathe!" I thought.

But when you did, the flood began.

Cry, my friend. It's ok

I will be here to swim the tide with you.

And when the mourning breaks on light of day

you'll see,

there's but one thing left to do.