and when she opens her mouth to speak

and when she opens her mouth to speak
Snakes of rage and pain
roar from her throat
Careful! they will
force you to eat an apple
dripping with her sweet juice,
the poison of knowledge.


Pass judgment on her:
for not having children,
for being smart, for being
-according to Erikson-
isolated and stagnant,
for attempting to be herself instead,
for wanting to be heard.


Exorcise her sin, the slither
of her hips, the stomp of
her heavy boots. Forgive her
for the earthquakes she causes,
the lives she ruins.
Save her from her power
to destroy your world.