Red Mother and Beauty in Horror - Stevie Hardwich

     Red Mother is a collection of poetry from a parasite to its host. It was written by Laurel Radzieski and is primarily love poems. The parasite goes into graphic detail of their destruction of their host, but also their love and obsession with them. The parasite is convinced that this is a beautiful, mutual love, stating "we're alone on an island, alone and in love. At least, I love you and you have almost learned my name." They seem to be at least somewhat aware that the host doesn't "love" them, they barely know that the parasite exists. They slowly begin to realize that they are hurting the host, but they refuse to take responsibility, saying "How am I a monster?... besides, whatever I am, you are too." This shifts the blame to the host.

    Eventually, when the host learns of the parasite, they seek medical attention to remove it. The parasite mentions that the host "knows" them, meaning they have begun treatment. This is taken as an offense to the parasite. The parasite sees the union as "love" and is insulted that the host is trying to get rid of them. Eventually, the parasite lays eggs, and this leads to the host getting a surgery to kill off all the parasites in their system. The parasite grows more pessimistic, saying that this is a tragedy rather than a love story. They believe that the host has betrayed their love and kindness, despite them only bringing harm to the host. They are convinced that they are the victim. 

       While gruesome at times, this poetry book is nevertheless an exploration of beauty. The words used to describe the parasite's delusions starkly contrast its explanations of how it's killing the host. It uses flowery language to describe the mutual love they share with the host, yet uses in depth language to explain how it is eating the host alive. They only cause the host harm, and yet they don't see it as harm. They see themselves as the victim, and the host as the cruel one.