Stay-at-home Controller -

They've done strange things to me.
My instant reactions are foreign,
for I knew a time when stress was
unknown.

But they have pressured me with the constant whining
with uncontrolled arms flung through calm surfaces of glassed milk
and uncontrolled volumes shouting infestivities.
They have pressured me with thoughts choosing unreason
and uncontrolled tongues
talking back.

They have, in fact, compacted my soul into a small, square box,
hard, determined and in charge - like a tank.
And as my stalwart box marches forward, with impenetrable demands,
it shouts orders and shame
obliterating free spirits.

But when roared order is reestablished,
I find their obedience and broken spirits
have chiseled my formidable box of a soul down
to reveal the idols that live there.

Idols of stone anger, hatred, disgust
idols of self
under control only when controlling.
Idols unbreathing, unalive, except when I bow.

The light of their humility now exposes me
on my knees.