A Mouth Full of Blood

[reddinah]

You’re dripping on the carpet, my mother says,
Stop bleeding before the stain settles.

You should smile more, my mother says,
What will the neighbors think if they never see you smile?

Wash yourself up, my mother says,
I’m having guests for dinner and the house should be clean.

There’s still some in your hair, my mother says,
No one else walks around with blood in their hair.

Smile, though your mouth is full of blood, my mother says,
Just don’t let it spill out. Someone might see.

[earthhorse]

Aw so vivid.

It reminds me of the line in a PJ Harvey song about a piano...

Hit her with a hammer
Teeth smashed in
Red tongue twitching
Look inside her skeleton

Something about the violence hidden in everyday things, mannerisms, sayings. Violence dressed up as motherhood/mothering. I am so sorry you had to learn to hide. And I am so sorry you had to learn to smile while you were in terrible pain. While you were bleeding.

Thanks for sharing,
EH