"She Did Not Birth the Child"

But took the baby in her arms

soothed the tantrum,

calmed the hurt,

until he forgot the mother who left.

Silence.

But walked five miles to school

when the nurse called

to take the child’s hand

and carry him home.

Silence.

But skipped out on the paycheck

to hold the ice pack

against the child’s temple

over a headache.

Silence.

But ran into the school

and stood between

the child

and the bullet.

Silence.

Oh but go on,

tell me again that she

is not the “real” mother.

I dare you.