Claine Keily # 26 Promotion

She could not explain
the baskets of reed broom
that still stank of the river
filled with tattered dresses
she kept in her bedroom

Now her mouth is
full of ashes

The classroom
taught her
the futility of speaking
no one listened

Lovers showed her
what they wanted was silence
her stepfather
her brother
and her brother's boyfriend
also

Now
beside her bucket and rags
they allow
a little promotion
teach her to mime
her beliefs
to the sound
of their words