BLOODLINE

   by Dick Bakken


No matter skin and kiss, no
matter cries of love. All
all all is
falling away, even mama and babe.
Family and love but illusion, breasts pulsing
a same blood, all
that whistling long distance.
Yet a never seen
nor lifted grandchild says
“Bowwow”
to Papo and Nana as Mama and Dada
bend far into their other line—
Suddenly space opens
its one vast
heart holding
us all.