I stand naked before you
My belly grown from last year
My laugh lines hardened

I silently beg for your approval
My heart burning from shame
My soul begging recognition

I lay beside you again
Tonight you hug your pillow
Push me away in your sleep

I arise and stir quietly
You awaken and hurl obscenities
You wish me away from here

I want to be her again
The woman whose full blossom
Once took your breath away

I want to be new again
The child that slept in
Your arms all night long

I want to live again
I inhale this life
I exhale this death

I turn and leave.


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