I mourn my ignorance

I grieve it almost as much as

the news

of the parasite in your breast:

The life bringing death 

just opposite your heart.

The heart I listen for

as I lay down to sleep--

a heart mine is an echo of.

What is life without it?

Is there life without it?

Mine would not be

were it not for yours.

 

I grieve for my innocence.

The days gone by when

I did not know.

I did not know

there was an attack on your life

from inside your life.

That closer to your heart than I am

stands one centimeter of mass

on the offensive.

And it has offended me.

For why should it be closer to you

than I am?

Even when I was inside you

--for nine months--

I was farther from your heart.

 

And if you now say that 

I am in your heart

then fight with all your heart,

Mom,

for I fight with you.