I read about a woman
Who had her face
Torn off by a bear

And after an emergency
Surgery decided against
Cosmetic work

She said “I want
To be able to look at
Young girls and say,

I have these scars
AND I’m still beautifully me.”
It reminded me

Of the morning after
The abortion
I felt so empty

But it had happened
And it wasn’t going to
Just change back

I went through that
And I’m still
Autonomous

Still grateful
Still loving
Still hopeful

Still want motherhood.
I went through that
AND I am still beautifully me.