WUNRN

http://www.wunrn.com

Beth Friedemann

Inspired by the UNFPA/Working Group on the Girl Child briefing on Pre-Natal Sex Selection, 20 September 2007

Unborn Voices

Two sons needed out in the boat

so I will never come into

this world. Will never see

silvery fish in blue water

or clasp mother’s shiny hair.

Cast off like one fish egg

in a multitude of many.

One son needed to till the land

so I will never come into

this world. Will never sink

my hands into dark, rich earth

or smell mother’s scent of sweat.

Thrown aside like an unwanted stone

the plough turns up.

One son needed to tend chicken and pigs

so I will never come into

this world. Will never hold

a newborn chick

or watch mother extend a hand

full of feed. Unwished for, undesired

before birth.

One son needed to work the paddy

so I will never watch rice as it grows

green and steady in fields

or see mother’s face

over a steaming bowl.

Thrown away without heed

as if I were bad grain.

One son needed to light the lamps

for the elders, hand down

the silent traditions

that continue to kill, rob us of our voices.

Beth Friedemann

Inspired by the UNFPA/Working Group on the Girl Child briefing on Pre-Natal Sex Selection, 20 September 2007

================================================================
To leave the list, send your request by email to: wunrn_listserve-request@lists.wunrn.com. Thank you.