Slicing the Newborn

The holy man’s on the altar, He’s got a bible in one hand, a knife in the other. They’ve been cutting their babies for years. Mom’s still pale from a 12 hour birth, Dad’s can still taste the cigar From 8 days ago. It’s a party! So why aren’t I smilin’? It’s a party! So why aren’t I wearing pants? It’s a party! So why am I crying? “It’s tradition” dad said when I learned to dress myself. “It’s tradition” dad screamed when I learned to think for myself. “It’s tradition” dad begged when I said I wanted better for myself. It’s a party! So why aren’t I smilin’? It’s a party! So why aren’t I wearing pants? It’s a party! So why am I crying? Mom didn’t say much, she sort of just sighed And convinced herself what they were doing was right But when the knife came down she just couldn’t look. Snip Snip, it was awfully barbaric.