did she just
check the box
for the tax credit
that has a name
but no breath
the son, the brother
did she just wince
at the simple
small talk
'how are you?'
faltering
'how many kids do you have?'
it feels unbearable
the succumbing grief;
cradle the mothers and fathers
in your good keeping
carrying their pain
Jesus,
Elijah
Noelle
Harper
Banner
still no more
but dancing, awaiting
in hope i rejoice,
in lament i grieve with, daring from
my safe distance, acknowledging
my unburied longing
