I forgot to have children.

But society reminds me

That my utility is tied

To my procreation.

That when it comes to my body,

I have no say.

But they say plenty.

Whether it’s barren or breeding,

It’s never my own.

Whether motherhood is forced on me

Or comes after years of careful preparation.

Or not at all.

My body is not my choice.

But it is a billboard to advertise my choice,

And sometimes the choices of society.

I cannot silently choose to not engage

Without it being declared loudly what I am.

Selfish

Infertile

A bitch.

I cannot live my life with my head down.

Or with it held proudly.

Instead, I am forced to meet their gaze,

Explain myself and my choices.

Like Medusa,

If only the feminine gaze could kill.

~

Jessica’s poems come from the heart. Written mainly on the theme of love, in all its intricacies and illusions, she delves into the boundless realm of love, exploring its myriad of facets with finesse. Each poem a brushstroke on the canvas of human experience. She invites the reader to delve into the depths of their own hearts and explore the emotions that lie within. She lives with her family in the New York City area.