No escape
And they pondered
how to enforce the laws
prevent me from
escape
to a kinder state
that would allow me
choice
and the answer
the bracelet on my ankle
looks ordinary
tracks my movement
like the ultrasounds
track the growth
of the baby
Work Life Balance Guilt
I feel guilty
when I choose not to work
when I decide
I get some time
for me
Every appointment
I decline
carries a weight
guilt that I can’t take care of you
guilt that I am losing money
guilt that I am putting my wants
before everyone else
not acknowledging that I have needs
and can not give endlessly
til I crumble
and I schedule your appointment
Decisions about my body
And just like that
Roe v Wade
was overturned
and dozens of tumblers
in a complicated lock
all across the United States
slid into place
I was locked out of
making decisions
about my body