(“Morphogenesis Merit Badge”, 2011, original oil)
Filicide is a thing most people Would rather not think about. And until this past month Would rarely even talk of. Now it’s on everyone’s mind. They say there are “only” 150-200 Such cases a year in America, But that doesn’t seem like only a few to me! The fact 71% are committed by the mother Also stays beneath the mainstream radar. I guess we just don’t want to know, But it’s right there in our face In our myths and legends and personal stories (I know I was intimidated by my mother growing up, always aware she held the true power and control in the home and even some degree of omniscience, and I’m no Sleeping Beauty or Snow White). Just look at the number of children mothers kill Before they are even born (more than a million per year!). Does that qualify as an epidemic? An epidemic of what? Confusion and convenience, Anxiety and despair, And above all selfishness. After all motherhood Is the ultimate act of selflessness A doorway of no return. Which reminds me of all those children. Now that the sanctity of motherhood Has been disgraced and debased Are apple pie and baseball next? (9/4/26)
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