Stretch Marks

Pregnant with a zillion lives,

I've stretched my core to the skin 

For you to thrive and flourish,

So to come out to see the light.

You sucked up all my strength.

All those sleepless nights, after

The sunny days, have worn me out.

This cracked crust bears witness

Of your birth and being.

You crawled on me.

You walked on me.

Yet you turned me dead brown.

I nurtured them

And I nurture you.

Yet you chop their heads.

Had you chosen to live

Together as kin and kith,

I would have harnessed 

Many more stretch marks.