100% Love

fetal heartbeat thrums

small and silver

visible to the eye

rapid to the touch

the cage around it grows

by bolt and screw and sinew

tendon, steel bones, joints--

working, this time

better

than its incarnation of frail flesh

this time there will be no tears

no grave

this time

progress is marked

by oil cans and calluses

to make this gleaming child

lifeless, but vivacious

his smile stiff but true

as he raises his arms

to mama