This poem is a lyric narrative within the confessional and trauma poetry genres, with strong elements of gothic balladry. Its central theme is the aftermath of rape-induced pregnancy and the impossible choice forced upon a survivor who was left with child of her offender. The poem explores maternal sacrifice, theological rage, and the enduring, unquantifiable depth of suffering. The voice is a first-person confidant and witness, attentive, present, and ultimately humbled by the immensity of the struggle shared with him. Structurally, the poem employs a recurring refrain structure across five stanzas, with repeated lines creating a ritualistic, almost liturgical rhythm. Striking imagery abounds. The poem’s theological question hangs unanswered, reinforcing the speaker’s helplessness. This poem is is included in the novella “A Shattered Cup of Doom.”, but is newly written and has not yet been assigned to a chapbook.
“CAULDRON”
molly swore me to her secrets
draws the curtain to confess
i hear her
pandora opens up her chest
and tries to bring her heart to rest
i hear her
molly told me that november
that her soul became dismembered
when the savage ravage rendered
her with child of her offender
the bird gets worse, the more it sings
a mother forced to cut her strings
to leave her own to what fate brings
what kind of god would do these things
i know because she told me so
the numbers, names, her every tear
i could write a book about
the things she wanted me to hear
molly the princess of pains
the darkness of those days remains
how deep the cauldron of her bane
even she, herself can’t say
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