uncompleted self

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." Anais Nin

he forbade her naked
by any light form -insisted she bath
behind - locked doors
marrying her under (his) pretense
of prudence; modest model of
mother,
teacher, an Aunt Fay-

his upbringing
a boiled materfamilias porridge
without recovery - or seasoning salt
and a
mistaken
mythical encounter with a teen virgin

her agreeable
sentiments -lead to an easy
incarceration
and commitment
to long sleeve nightgowns

yet, in clock-time....

she sought exposure
on a deeper level -began
reading "House of Incest"
by Anais Nin - quoting it repeatedly
through her mind "... looked with anonymous vision
upon my uncompleted self" 

the decision came - but
to inhale independence - is not
exhaling it, so
she saved it for a moment when
guaranteed freedom
of  violation, of reprisal or unwanted discourse

left her penned words
sealed with tea and evening verse
retired to bath and book
with quote and question - "..uncompleted self?"

he retired to chair
retired to tea...eyed the note addressed..
Husband - opening, began to read

My Husband

In my faithfulness I have began
to feel a bit uncompleted as of late - and
after much thought have reached a
life changing decision - I have started
proceedings to study the
French Culinary Arts - and will
soon be adding basil, thyme and white pepper
to dinner meals - followed by
saffron and cheyenne.  This will happen
with or without your blessings

Your Dearest Wife

Inhaling - he headed
for the wine
mouthing - "I knew I shouldn't have taken her out to dinner
for our Anniversary; how will I ever
break this to Mother.?

bkmackenzie
copyrighted 2011

painting by Felice Casorati: titled Le Signorine -1912