Love Scars

"Mummy, why's your belly lumpy?
And what are all those lines?"
My little boy pokes baby weight
and stretch mark thread designs

"They're Mummy's Love Scars," I declare
and cover up my tummy
"How did they get there? Where are mine?
Does daddy think they're funny?"

"Only ladies get them when the
stork drops off their children"
I can see his little face distort
in horrified confusion

"It doesn't hurt me - not one bit"
I ruffle up his hair
"God gave me them to think of you
when you're no-longer there"

Indignant, Robert pulls a face
"I won't leave you when I'm older"
"You will, my love, when you are grown
and your education's over"

"I am not going anywhere
I need you far too much
God gave you Love Scars but he gave me
a mum to love and touch"

(141 wds, 24 lines)