on overcoming early set-backs
		-------------------------------------------------------------

		what about being an honorable mother?  raising a son
		or a daughter.

		abortion stops a beating heart -- reminds the rural roadsign.
		oh what an open wound in that family.

		just you wait and see -- overcoming early set-backs
		is she.

		i know plenty of people
		who went on to college
		as single mothers.  with fellowships and grants.

		at least she has a support network whereas many have none.
		don't give up hope.  don't give up on her.

		the early or late light on the prairie was not unlike
		the light on her hair.  not to be negative about either.

		to write her and to send her a ceremonial t-shirt
		to offer a bit of my own heart and memory.
		her daily supplement of patience is dowry.
		to see her clearly -- overcoming early set-backs.

		the prairie meadowlark sings continuously
		heard in the valley on windless days from a mile away.
		maybe she will respond vivaciously maybe cautiously
		maybe not at all
		she the hopeful sundance i glimpsed her to be

		in a swift's free-fall.


			Marek Lugowski
			21 July 1999
			Chicago, Illinois