100% Love
by Beth Cato
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