The Difference

What is this, my swelled-up chest

wanting to burst at the Bee Gees

“To Love Somebody” and

at dropping my daughter off

for her first day of daycare?

Doesn’t it see

any difference?

What is this, my reeling brain

letting all the weeps come forth

and sucking relief into place, my wet face

embracing the whole

stink of my sobs?

How does it know

there isn’t a difference

between a pop song and a separation of souls?

How does it know my motherhood

rings out simple as an outdated tune

that makes everyone go

glassy-eyed and dreaming?

How am I to live, knowing

my heart is swept up so easily?