Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


MARIA MINOR by MARGARET AVISON

First Line: I CONCEIVED. AND SORROW
Last Line: TO MASH MY HEAD.
Subject(s): BIRTH; CONCEPTION; GRIEF; CHILD BIRTH; MIDWIFERY; SORROW; SADNESS;

I conceived. And Sorrow
Stirred within the womb.
My loins were pushed asunder
To make Adam room.

We met on the blonde uplands
That overlook the sea
And swift did Adam's navel
Blot out my agony.

The East is far and weary.
The thrush's young are fed.
I go down among the leaf mould
To mash my head.



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