Alison Cassidy - Zero Population Growth

Twenty-eight years ago
one stifling afternoon in April
squatting on the red brick path
weeding her Double Delight
(roses grew so well in the clay soil
of Kangaroo Ground) ,
she suddenly felt light-headed
and passed out
and she knew...

What to do?

He was always on about it,
Zero Population Growth.
He argued fiercely
and eloquently
from his lecturer's platform,
laughing scornfully and often
at his careless
older brother
with his three
daughters.

What to do?

To tell or not to tell.
To tell or not to tell?
Oh, what the hell.
She didn't tell -
she couldn't tell!

And four months later
after the checkup
from Dr. Heath.
Is it a fait accompli?
I'm afraid so.

Three children is a lovely size for a family -
don't you think?

Alison Cassidy

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/zero-population-growth/