Matrimony

A mockery of marriage, its traditions, and motherhood.

Spectacle of matrimony:
Will you marry the souvenir?
Cook. Sweep. Breastfeed.

Mend the little tears—
prick my tired fingers.
Stitched: facade.

Tainted snow-glass gown,
veil laced with blight tradition.
Swarm. A swarm of locusts.

God, you can’t see them.
Spectacled Groom, bespeckled—
they buzz into my marrow,
enchanting the cultural grandeur.

Angelic fae anoint the suit:
will you shelf her in fifty years?
No—more like ten.
Silver medal won.

Natural, adulterine,
Bride and Groom doctrine.
Doctor, doctor—speculum.

Ripped open, wide stretch.
Applause for baby—
praise, parade.

Swallowed down,
artist artifice.

I paint the eighteen years in blood.