the adolescent and new curtains

when witches were frightening
and I spent hours in the garden
hunting four-leaf clovers
long before I could define innocence
and several step-fathers tried to reign…
polite and withdrawn I sat at the table
playing with green peas, mashed potatoes
and grilled chicken liver
applesauce was the carrot for swallowing
cold inedible green marbles
and brown faux leather samples for the new couch
the “hurry up” threat boomed one too many times
I loaded the spoon with cold lumpy white glue
took aim
and missed
(fortunately)
three feet further than my target
splash! centered in the brand new
royal blue velvet curtains

furious he was
nonetheless she trained him
never to lay a hand
on my bare ass —
that was her job —
and why I am an authority on witches



the adolescent and new curtains
[2007.3.3…a]