Never to be born is best.
                                      Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus

I remember when I was born
said the old woman, it was so cold
it hurt so much
and giving birth hurt also
but often there was bliss
dopamine dancing in her glitter shoes
always at any birth a wave of bliss
crashes over one’s head and I am grateful for that

I remember it was not so easy
said the tulip
having to be beautiful
having to apply my blusher
and my dark streaks
in that unpredictable weather
as my contract required
but darlings your applause deepens my glow

Leading the double life that I do
while I’m licking the man’s hand
and he’s saying good boy
guess what
said the dog
that’s when I remember the furry wrestling
the nipping napes, and me pushing past
to the sweet little nipple