Martyr, Martyr

Megan DeBussey

Faith-curled fingers

Knead coiled knots of human hurt

They claim “God is the promise of retribution”

Then what of thalidomide?

They swear God’s fingers wrap so warmly:

Pinky

Ring finger—

They are married to God—

Middle finger,

Pointer finger,

Thumb

Myself soaked in fluid food

God bundles his nourishing noose of

Thalidomide fingers

Around my soft pink neck

Tighter

Tighter,

Shhh

Shhh

They coo soothingly

“Do not fret”

Petting me

Petting me

As their grip tightens

“God is the promise of retribution”