The Before Time
Each time I came to
There were more people
In the room
They fell to their knees
Spoke in tongues
Lined out hymns
Granny brought ‘sang
For my female weakness
She said but still I could not
Get out of bed
Used to be
I’d go with her
I had a quick eye
For all matter of roots
And kept my wits about me
In the woods
Now I ask for catmint
To calm my nerves
For cohosh to ease
The cramps
The nurses mumble
And bring more bromide
They curse and spit
The word Witch
Then leave the room
Before I can ask again.
2 thoughts on "The Before Time"
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Wonderful, moving, as always
You capture a distinct world in few words, short lines