They tell you

 They tell you

at least you have a healthy baby
at least you know you can get pregnant
at least it was early
at least you’re young
at least they’re not suffering here

as if these words
could stitch back the pieces
of a heart that’s been split wide open

as if loss is measured
by time or age or outcome
and not by the silent ache
that takes up residence in your bones

grief is a language
few dare to learn
it’s lonely and hollow and sharp
it changes how the sun feels on your skin
how laughter sounds in your chest

so if you stand here today
quietly holding your own shattered pieces
know this
your pain is real
your story matters
your love is endless
even for what was lost

and you never have to justify
why it still hurts