Fetus’ Fate

If ever I knew
They’d make me
A means to reach
Their cherished end
That eluded them last time,
I might have thought again
Before I saw the light.

If ever I knew
They’d force on me
A life devoid of
My consent, only to gratify
Their swollen ego,
I might have thought again
Before I walked on the earth.

If ever I knew
Such obsessive possessiveness
Would replace
Their tender love
That nourished me inside
For so long,
I might have thought again
Before I came to the fore.

If I ever knew
They’d live afresh,
In me, to fulfil
Their dashed dreams
Usurping my only life,
I might have thought again
Before I cherry-picked their womb.

[Published earlier in StoryMirror]