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houselife before infancy this was abortion: I had growing in me a new person free and strong and life-demanding so near ready to emerge (stumbling first words: fear, squalling anger, fat milk-flavored smiles milk-bubble words cut off cut out of the womb a human potential unrealized) I had in me poetry – doctors have pulled from between my legs sons instead to extend by one more generation your importance they exhaust me, your sons they feed on me until grown, leaving mere remains, the inner parts stillborn the Supreme Court should rule on this life – this spirit impounded and anesthetized dying in its sleep like an animal – Catholics should march © 1990 by Beth Stevens |