Wider than Water, Deeper than Sky

by Gabriella Belfiglio

Seven months encircling the joyful
wonder of you, and now this pull—

this grave emptiness
follows, possesses

me, bowls me down, twists me up
a whorled gust.

A violent wave, a frothing foam.
I am rabid, no one dare

approach. I am forever
with you, thorny child.

My wild girl who lives
in the air we breathe. Forgive

me for not carrying you
safely into the world. If I could undo

that moment, I would be a god.
But no, I am mortal—your mother.