Mothering

who are these curious little creatures following me

one mimics the other and she mimics me

a nesting doll of behaviors, ticks, compulsions

miniature convex mirrors, screaming my reflection back to me

these magical miracles

they have yet to comprehend the tragedies that have carved the landscape

of the monster i can be

and that monster’s blood courses through their veins

she looks up to me and begs, show me

i reach down to her, and scream through soaked eyes, how?