by Alan Steinle

This poem, which was written around the time of COVID, is not specifically about me. It is about deciding whether or not to sire or conceive a child. “To beget” means “to sire; to procreate; to have children.” The “you” in this poem refers to a soul that may want to be born.

Should we relent or hesitate?
We feel insistence from your side,
but we’re inclined to let you wait.

Like Cupid, you would instigate
our love (or lust) till we collide.
Should we relent or hesitate?

Though many yearn to procreate,
the wills involved should be allied,
and we’re inclined to let you wait.

On earth, the stress and pain are great,
so our concerns are bona fide.
Should we relent or hesitate?

Would life on earth soon terminate
if others took us as their guide?
We’re still inclined to let you wait.

Our lives are short. It’s getting late.
Should unborn souls still be denied?
We’d give you form but hesitate.
Please understand when we say, “Wait.”