Vaccine Poem

There is blood. 

The baby's shocking, beautiful blood,

made full from the milk from my breast.

It is red, as expected, but what is unexpected

is its inestimable worth.

Like gold. Her life is diamonds beyond measure.

And the animal in me must protect it at all costs.

And here, that animal is caged. 

You read this and that.

Who's going to make the money? Who wants to be afraid? Who knows.

I am unqualified, with only my animal heart, beating, and my mind like fire to protect her.

From disease. From the doctors. From the pharmaceutical companies. 

I do not know what is right. Neither do you.

And so I hold her down and pray while she kicks her chubby legs, 

and I kiss her sweet hair.