Know, first, that in your mother’s bloody womb

you heard your first echoes of anger. 

Know, too, that your mother’s rage 

came about in the womb of your grandmother. 

And knowing this, acknowledge that 

in your empty womb, lies that same anger; 

that whatever creature you may mother

will learn her first words from your tongue; 

that your daughter will learn from you,

violence. 

Know that you have made a baby 

with love and the pleasure of a partner, 

how although you will love her, 

your love will not stave off the inevitable. 

Know, finally, that your daughter 

cannot stop the anger from rooting in her stomach. 

Even now, 

she is listening.