Utterly Mine

holding the frame

through which you saw

and through which you became;

I was part of the meaning

and the weft of life.

Now I am relegated

to visitor status,

like an uncle you

can hardly bear to see,

and your meanings -

each heart moment of joy or sorrow

or each musing on life and love

pass through you

without the need for paternal reference

except a nod to the cells we share.

Your disappointment

is utterly mine.

I, it seems, have given up the right to

give you away: you

prefer maternal arms

to hold and release.

Your womanhood you claim

as a defense now

against the failure of this man

who so wounds

and so disappoints.