Safe Space

I press my face into the tightened flesh

(of) her pregnant belly where I find my safe-

ty from the world of violence, wars, and hate.

I am protected here, within the space

of padded tissue where her baby grows.

I wish I was her infant swaddled by

the feeling of invincibility.

She sends her mother's care through veins of blood;

embraces the life she carries in her womb.

This new-found mother's love gives her the glow

of inner peace and health that I will nev-

er have. Instead I wrap my arms around

her pregnant belly and press my face into

the safety of the space where her baby grows.