Chapter 21: Choosing

Your failure is written on your face
Make-up long since running
Debased by your patriarch
As he forces this choice
My failed solution etched upon my chest
Choosing reliable voice
Over the reckless march
Into pointless punning
As our joined thoughts race
Between me and him
I know who you’ll choose
Who you always choose
Attempting to reuse
Tired excuses to be prim
And proper in your paternal embrace
Second best I remain
No matter how many times I win
I know the pain
As your hand takes it place
In mine, long nails wafer thin
Searching at my skin
Begging me to come
To fall dependent upon you
But my duty is never done
So, I’ll never be true
Forever bound to this place
As you are bound to him
Following his every whim
I am needed for stasis
As you quest for higher status
I offer one final gift
As our lips meet once more
Monitoring the rift
Between what I forgive and store
I know who you’ll choose
Who you always choose
When it comes to me and him
Impropriety and whim
Brilliance, and resilience
You take his hand
Even as you let mine go
Quiet at his command
Small rivers flow
Down cheeks not used to them
Between me and him
You’ll choose who you always choose