Katie cut the cord
and is closer than ever
to those she
dreams of -
nursing mothers
engorged with
the happy ache of
milk in waiting.

She’s right, though,
there nothing like
being a mom
(or dad)
gingerly clutching
a newborn
on your chest.

As a Karate alcoholic
it was hardest for you
at the end when heart disease
made breathing difficult
to finish your final fight.

You had always done
so well in the martial arts
and struggled,
well,
in the life arts
when mom left us
for the lights of LA
or someplace there
in southern CA.

Was it you in there
all that time
you kicked
and pushed
against my spine.

Lord have mercy!

I carried you high
“means its a girl”
said Eddie
the Puerto Rican.