Swollen Bellies

The surgeon is familiar with women

and their swollen bellies

lying atop her table like this.

Usually, with a knife through skin

she peels away layers

to reveal a miracle within.

But this time is different.

The young woman brought in

is emaciated, not glowing.

Her belly is distended,

not with life,

but with death.

No child rests within;

Instead cancer, a gnarled beast, is clawing

through her womb.