Mama takes pills so her eyes won't hatch, so her limbs don’t stretch and her skin won't peel back.

Mama takes pills so her teeth won’t grow, so her hair won’t shed and her fluids won’t flow.

Mama takes pills so her spine won’t sprout, so her jaw stays hinged instead of jutting out.

Mama takes pills so her skull won’t swell, so her ribs don’t crack and her body won’t smell.

Mama takes pills so her hunger stays gone and her strength stays low even after the dawn.

Mama takes pills so her face won’t split, so she won’t howl deep and her tongues don’t spit.

Mama takes pills to keep papa and me safe, but she’s not in her bed and papa won’t wake.

If you see my mama you'd best keep away. Mama hasn't taken her pills today.