IUD


ROSALIE MCRACKEN


I have found myself legs lifted, lithium visioned

                                                                  in two beats, copper plastic & holy aches

Outside the driver waits, inside the woman cries

                                                                   in two beats, cracked open & crucified

I become well-prayed in pain, cross shaped

                                                                   in two beats, pills in walls & white sheet crawls

At the whim of the tenaculum, metal cold

                                                                   in two beats, virgin sacrifice & hand holds

Told I’m good, brow bowed at the evidence

                                                                   in two beats, a splotch of brown & seeped seat

Wondering how much hurt they’ve seen

                                                                   in two beats, sweet juice & a look of guilt

Birthing the features of a thousand women

                                                                   in two beats, I cry & they pray witness.