Return to Top of Page
Menu
  • Close
  • About Us
  • Contributors
  • Donate
  • Opportunities
  • Staff
  • Submissions
  • 20 Years
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Search Website
Literary Mama
  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Departments
  • Blog
  • Newsletter

Poetry | December 2007

The Seven-Year-Old

By Stefanie Freele

The seven-year-old asks me, “Could you please lay down your baby, so I can dissect him?” I say no, he’s been dissected twice today and is tired of it.

The seven-year-old runs to his closet and returns with a red cape. “Could you please drop your baby from the roof so I can rescue him just before he hits the ground?” I say no, I don’t want him to assume someone will always be there to catch him.

The seven-year-old asks if he can please stab my infant with his white sword. I say no, impalement is not becoming on a baby and he will have trouble digesting his food.

The seven-year-old dons a feathered hat to go with the cape. “Could you then run toward me like a bull?” I say yes and race toward him with the baby under my arm. For a moment we are lost in the cape of the bullfighter. He takes the cape away, and it makes us angry. Give us back that red! We charge again and again and again.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Share This Page

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Copy Link

Stefanie Freele

Learn More

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Don't miss out on Literary Mama news and updates

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Instagram
  • RSS

© 2023 Literary Mama | Search Site | About Us | Staff | Submissions | Privacy Policy