I played my part. I went to war
for you every day. I couldn’t foretell disaster.
But I knew this connection was temporary.
I provided an end to a means. I was the portal
to your survival. I was your everlasting god.

     I took that as a privilege. I never withheld
support. You never needed triage or bravery.
Things were mildly disconcerting once,
but I did my magic. I stopped interference
quickly and valiantly. No one gave me laurels
or tried to hang a medal around my neck.
(But who needs a neck for this kind of work?)

     One day, without warning, we were thrust
into the light, a scary premise for all that time
sitting in the dark, waiting. As I said, I had
a feeling this would happen. We emerged
as still symbiotic entities, but I could see the knife
come close, whisking away our only friend.
Why was I left behind as a reminder of loss?

– Christopher Stolle

Note: “The Umbilicus Remembers” was published by Kreatif magazine in their Spring 2026 issue.