----- Original Message -----
From: "grasshopper" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2001 5:53 PM
Subject: Re: New: Bloodmothers


> Dear Terri,
>       I'm afraid I share Christina's puzzlement about this sonnet's
subject.
> I wondered if it was about offering to donate bone marrow-

spot on - the impulsive donation of that first blood sample

but I don't think
> that involves going 'under the knife'-just a very large needle.

perhaps a very small skin incision? I want to refer to the subject's fear of
anaesthetics, hospitals, operations and the whole unpleasantness of that out
or control experience. sound like the facts get in the way of the feelings
here. thanks for pointing it out

> I don't understand these two lines at all:
>
> "The child as yet unborn who may be caught
>  by someone's reckless impulse to do good."
>
caught as in not allowed to fall into oblivion (die)
caught as in the idiom 'to get caught' ie get pregnant

the sense of responsibility one has to a child who shares your genes (or
your genetic predispositions and surface antigens anyway) if you are daft
enough to get into a relationship and get caught

>  Stumped,

not really. You got the topic right. Maybe not moved? ah well...

Terri )O(