In meditation
eyes closed
I check in with my body:
familiar tension,
arm pressed to side
where incision cut at 26 days.
Breath held.
Oh little baby,
I say to myself
aware of her suffering.
In my mind’s eye
I place my fingertips gently on my baby-throat
where the intubation tube choked,
touch my tiny nose into which the NG tube was fed,
touch my incision, raw and red,
lay my hand gently on baby-belly
whispering, All ok now.
Breath finds belly,
rises to meet my warm hand.
Sweet release, relief–
my body shaking with tears.