(sequel to “There Was a Land)

*
Pretend it never happened.

Pretend it never was.

Pretend you don’t remember it

And couldn’t give a toss.

(OR…)

Try to recreate it.

Try to fill the gaps.

Try to seek out things you love

Behind your parents’ back.

(OR…)

Be sure to hide your feelings.

Be sure to keep them hidden.

Be sure that you pretend to smile

And do your parents’ bidding.

(OR…)

Say you’re glad it happened.

Say you’re glad it’s gone.

Say you know it’s for the best;

To love the land was wrong.

(OR…)

Throw a massive tantrum.

Throw things to the ground.

Throw their actions in their face.

Repay them, pound for pound.

(…)

Let’s say there were five children

In that empty room,

Now white and cold and featureless,

And silent as a tomb.

These were all five children,

With their virtues and their crimes,

And maybe there were five in all

Or one at different times.