Made Broken by Dr. Debra Zharnest

Made Broken

I wish they told me it was going to be so soon If only someone else were here. The eyes of the mother staring at me Are empty.

The painted-on expression is made impassive. Theirs and mine. Grateful for square breathing from yoga. Hoping that good posture is An armor.

The rattling of her chest is just a sound. It does not touch me. I am untouched By this.

They wait. I wait.

I’m so sorry. I don’t hear her heart beating anymore. The words are so quiet. Later they’ll say I was firm, though. It should have been more profound But wasn’t.

Someone better would have said the right thing.