A Delta moment

In The Delta

The pale dusty gloom of
a sharecroppers shack.
Hot noon sweat shining
rings on clothes that hung on

meatless bones.
The only color the red newborn face;
fists raised in a circle
demanding the life that is due her.

Her mothers arms surrounding
and giving all she has.
His arms surround the mother
pulling her back into him

Holding her soothing her,
his body moving as if pulled by the tides
urging and reminding her;
while one life slips away

Another fights to be born.