in the faded photograph
she stood between two
toe-headed boys

they were an exhibit;
objects of accomplishment.

affection an unexercised option

obedience…
obedience was the job

behavior was the
benchmark
the measure of successful
child husbandry

pabst blue ribbon

ever obedient was she
silent to the dark
she carried in her conscience
provided by a familial love
nobody could wish for

she later accomplished
three
herself.

gave them the affection
loved them

she was objectified by
their co-creator
she remained obedient
more silent, a darker shade

in this sun-less
environment a secret fungus
germinated:
and blocked all light

she drank from
the spigot of
opportunity/religion,
met her betrayal
in the pews

when the parishioner
bedded her husband
she did not blink.

she was answering
to a new master
she confronted
the blue-ribbon demon
who took her
youth, her hope

in a weak state
he could not utter
a defense

he elected to end his time here
the object of an unanswered question

a consequence

the glory of his fruit
and her obedience

© Tom Watters  6/3/07