never one in any way avuncular
a snuffling pig hunting me down
every chance he got
handcuffed me to the back of the sofa
so’s I couldn’t watch the tv
pulled my fingernails back
until I confessed to smoking
which I had yet decided to try
all he said to keep me in line
& the other turned a blind eye
though he had once helped
me to learn to read help me he claimed
to keep my snotty nose clean yet
invited confessions of everyday things
wanted me to tell him of my days
make reports back to the torturers
those with rules but no handkerchiefs
& the others were distant creatures
beasts wandering far off plains
whose only homilies seemed to be
honour your father & mother
do as your duty entails
meantime do as I say
not what I do
or else
neilbenbow 