Cold January evening
Freezing winter rain blown by icy wind
Unexpected, shrill chimes echo
Along the hall.
Like a dark angel stands
Glittering fire on cold eyes
'Is your mother home?'
'No - why?'
Some inner desire to offer protection
For the woman, not alone, in the kitchen.

'Scarlet, harlot, Jezebel'
Stuttering, spluttering,
Beads of spittle spray
With his passionate cry.
'She must repent, I have come to save her soul
From hells eternal flame.

I will hear her confession
Offer absolution with ten Hail Marys
If she will not scrrep in her shame
To seek salvation
The truth will spill from my lips
To her husbands ears.
Fetch him, child.'

Heart full of anger, burning hate,
Sorry Father, to make you wait
I have to tell you face to face
Shame to say, you're two days too late!
You want to see my Dad, well fine
Then drive three miles along the road
Seek him at Spencers Funeral Home!

Too stunned to speak
Cheeks white as his holy collar
A frozen, sculpted statue
And I close the door.

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