Originally published on CC&D
In the 40’s it took 10 minutes
for men in coats to drill into housewives’ human bone like
needles through thick wool
to block sniveling and drive forbearance.
Expose the brain like
flattened soiled diapers
to curb fretting and implant composure.
Dump alcohol into the cavity,
cracked eggs into a well and
burn the nerves
to stem passion and ingrain devotion.
Twist an icepick behind the eye,
tresses turned into pin curls
to arrest tears and imprint a smile.
Core the brain like
Granny Smiths ready for the tin
to stanch fantasy and pull her back to white-fenced earth
docile, mute, impassive
awake throughout.
In the 40’s it only took 10 minutes.