Unwritten Absence

There are times when it is safe to be in one’s body As in the time of family way caressing my ribs Baby who lives because I do with such flare Tiny little feet kicking me deep in my innards Such sharp joyous yellow pains tattoo my brain braided with all the names and things to be for sweet babe The gay day of burgundy birth erases the bloody hurt healing cries from my little person Unwritten absence of hearts searching for And finding good despite rape Finding love despite hate Unwritten absence of being prey Of sexual assault turned around by fate During such an act one must fall back And lean into the abyss recoil insulting kiss But who knew it would give me truth Truth in the form of a journey From rape to faith to power of attorney He ran from himself inside of me Blessing my womb with a holy seed a baby Unwritten absence of smiles at the time I found I was heavy with child seeming so unkind Until I decided to make up my mind And give this babe a heart like mine. Unwritten absence of hate for the father. For my love for the child will be a better bother. Written 9/21/23 for Contest Unwritten Absence Sponsor Ink Empress