The Bitterness of Children Poem by Thomas Lux

Foreseeing typographical errors
on their gravestones, the children
from infancy—are bitter.
Little clairvoyants, blond, in terror.

Foreseeing the black and yellow
room behind the eyelids, the children
are bitter—from infancy.
The blue egg of thirst: say hello.

Foreseeing the lower lips of glaciers
sliding toward their own lips, the children
from infancy—are bitter.
Them, rats, snakes: the chased and chasers.

Foreseeing a dust-filled matchbox, the heart,
the temples' temples closing, the children
are bitter—from infancy.
From the marrow in the marrow: the start.