WUNRN
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
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