bruland

A Million Children

I had a million children

I threw them down the well

And those who think I’m evil

They will go straight to hell

My lawn pristine and holy

No noise or protest there

I had a million children

I shot them in that square

I had a million children

I gave them to the cats

Who tortured killed and ate them

Just like they do with rats

I had a million children

I dragged them from the roof

I pushed them out of windows

Or not — there is no proof

I tiptoe in the basement

Listening for the threat

I don’t speak to my neighbours

And I don’t own a pet

I won’t permit harassment

I’m living on alert

I walk in constant terror

My house is under threat

I had a million children

I packed them in a box

I threw it on the fire

And they stopped throwing rocks