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A Prayer from the Womb

01-20-2010 at 06:27:42 AM

A Prayer from the Womb

A Prayer from the Womb

Why did you tear me off you,
When you knew I’d die without you?
I promised you peaceful sleep,
But you wouldn't hear me.
You were in the midst of planning your future.
I promised I wouldn't pull at your gown,
Nor test my vocal cords when I'm hungry.
But still you didn't let me be.
I promised I would behave when your friends visit,
And when you're on the phone or in the kitchen.
But you still threw me out of your system.
Why mama, why? Am I so unagreeable?
I don't keep it against you mama.
I know that now you know.
I still echo those very promises,
Though I might go back on some of them.
I'm only human, mama just like you.

If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry.

Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) American poet.