Because the man who knocked her up
Cared more for alcohol than for her
And lived a life alone in shame
Until you came along, a redemption at birth,
A pre-packaged world of your smile
And endless curiosity
But you weren't one for words
-- Those were found in books
You read in the trees --
The world you were a prophet of
Was silent
Filled with bourbon and branch instead
And gracious laughter as the mansion collapsed
And every antique held a Civil War hero's spirit
And dolls and toys were as hard to find
As wanton, well-read boys.
You made do --
The heaven they created of you
Became the perfect world you always saw,
And, seeing, was taken away from you
At a distance from your silence,
Where you were allowed to be alone
With whatever puzzle that was thrown at you
To celebrate the excellence they bred.
What was there for you to say ...
Except, today, you envy me?
My voice,
Strung finally together now
With knot after knot
Of your alienating touch.
Silence was my instrument too
As the landscape turned its noises,
And it's turning auburn now --
A scream develops in the sky.
I reach my mouth
And what can’t come out
Is pulled like forceps through my terror
From a prayer
Of surrender.
