Mom was frowning. Remembering the words her Dad said. “I thought you were going to be the one.”

Broken bones will mend, but word-wounds

They ripple through time,

Inflicting pain for a lifetime,

Or, in my case, two.

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can forever hurt me.

Nestled in Momma’s arms.

Just met her. Looking up into those eyes.

Feeling warm, but there’s a hint of cold.

Love, pain, and distraction.

Fractured. Infraction.

Pregnant at sixteen. Handsome boy next door, a journeyman. Wanderer no more.

Working the line, steel mill, on company time.

Dad’s not here, yet, but he will be.

Throwing baby a smile and a lifeline.

Dad’s love? It will last a lifetime.

“You okay, honey?” Nurse says to Momma.

“Yeah” her eyes were sad, and she wore a frown. Mom lays the baby down.

“That boy’s going to make you real proud some day.”

“I guess so,” she says.