nine pounds three ounces

what hurts, he says?

I show him my arm, my hand,
the cut. the bruise on my shoulder.

he shows me his knee.
swollen
like a soft ball.

then pulls a band aid off his nose.
pre cancerous, he says, proudly.

betty leans over and says, you
boys
are sissies, then pulls up
her blouse, pulls at the edge
of her yoga pants to show
us a scar.

caesarean, she says.
9 pounds, three ounces.