cutting the cord

a film may show the cord
being cut
and some suggest the ineptness
of the doctor making an innie or an outie
as if at that point
the belly button matters

the violence of birth
might be
traumatic
preparation for

separation
approaching nearly two decades
in the future

leaving a first home
escaping the full protection of a thin layer of skin
the warmth, the liquid breath
the sanctuary

years later
a June ceremony
setting the stage
for a September departure
a bloodless umbilical severing

an unsure backward glance
a hastening step

away 

Barry DeCarli
March 26, 2010
Copyright 2010 Barry DeCarli