Green Linden Press

Incarnation

after Mag Gabbert

Because in another universe, I was once the red star Betelgeuse.

Because decades later, I am being married off.

Because horses went extinct in the New World, but conquistadors 
brought them back—I have seen them.

Because girls are smaller than boys, girls must be more responsible.

Because the great Marat was killed in his bathtub by a girl.

Because after her execution, the examiners were disappointed she was a virgin.

Because isn’t that the most important fact.

Because the white ash of Vesuvius protected the bodies it burned.

And sweet liquid pressed from grapes is worth more than grapes.

Because I must bleed every month.

Because God created and said it was good.

Because even dogs only rut twice a year.

Because I try to remember that in Thebes and Babylon, the goddesses of love were also the goddesses of war, and they went into battle with ten thousand faces.

Because he always blames me for the chase.

Because in this universe, I’m still running.