Amanda Porter
Why I Don't Want Kids
I.
The children down the
block like to play in
the road. I could not
bear it if ever you only
looked left.
I would want to keep
you indoors, like a
house cat. Cut each
scrap of food so small
they disintegrate in
your tiny mouth.
II.
There are too many
who do not get
breakfast each morning.
I would rather give
each meal
of yours to the
children in
Honduras.
III.
I cannot love you.
You, half of my bone.
I cannot create you
to be in likeness
of me.
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Amanda Porter is a full time student at the University of Binghamton in New York where she lives with her finace, Brian and cat, Romero. She has been published in a few magazines, such as the Hudson River Almanac and has also appeared as a guest editor for the literary magazine Stirring.
