Raspberry Sorbet Swirls in the Sky

I woke from the deepest sleep
the doctor was above me
what happened? I asked wearily
you had a hysterectomy
she said
the cancer spread
it was the year I was trying to have a baby

my partner held my hand in the hospital bed
two months ago he gave me a ring
with my eyes closed
I told him, they took everything
my words came out as a whisper

a week later
a rainbow dripped from the sky
not a semi-circle
a curvy colorful line
falling from the clouds
a canvas of raspberry sorbet swirls
for the daughter I wished for
I didn’t cry for her now
motherhood taken before
I had time or a choice
rain fell lightly as I welcomed
a new woman a new voice
she was a force that flew in from
the depths of my soul
one who burns brighter
from lost dreams and sorrow