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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


MORGUE: 2. LOVELY CHILDHOOD by GOTTFRIED BENN

Poem Explanation

First Line: THE MOUTH OF A GIRL WHO HAD LONG LAIN AMONG THE REEDS LOOKED GNAWED AWAY
Last Line: OH, HOW THE LITTLE MUZZLES SQUEAKED!
Subject(s): AUTOPSIES; DEATH - CHILDREN; EXPRESSIONISM - POETS; MORGUES; DEATH - BABIES;

The mouth of a girl who had long lain among the reeds looked gnawed away.
As the breast was cut open, the gullet showed full of holes.
Finally in a cavity below the diaphragm
a nest of young rats was discovered.
One little sister lay dead.
The others thrived on liver and kidneys,
drank the cold blood and
enjoyed a lovely childhood here.
And sweet and swift came their death also:
They were all thrown into the water together.
Oh, how the little muzzles squeaked!



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