She must know people are looking
to see which breast is gone, even

here in her home where she and my uncle
conceived nine kids, where she should be

most at ease in her skin, no matter the scars
or the empty space beneath the blouse

she wore to church today, is
still wearing

as she entertains family and friends come by
to welcome their missionary home from Cleveland,

come to help her forget the loss.

Comments [post a comment]

Posted by Donia Carey on Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 at 8:08 PM
Excellent poem. The story is complete in few words. Thank you.

Posted by Tyler Chadwick on Thursday, August 28th, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Donia: Sometimes I wonder if I've said enough in my poems to convey the reality of human experience. Your words assure me that, at least here, I've succeeded. Thanks for the feedback.

Posted by Ashley Minihan on Friday, August 29th, 2008 at 6:19 PM
Thank you for this moving piece!

Posted by Tyler Chadwick on Saturday, August 30th, 2008 at 9:35 AM
Ashley: I'm glad my words have touched you in some way.