VII

At home sitting on my bed

I’m visited by my savior-friend.

My dearest Scarlett has come to see

If I her friend would join again

205     To a party of splendid praise.

Hosted by the Eric-fiend.

I shout and scream and protest much

For there I can not go,

I tell my friend, my sister so.

210      “No, my Scarlett, my sister-friend,

There I can not go, never again

To the ocean shore!”  I fall

Hard to my knees, shuttering

Shaking, tears streaming.

215      Scarlett runs to my side

Finally understanding when but not what

She holds me close, afraid to let go.

I confide in her, my hero pal,

My savior, my friend.  I tell her

220     Through pain and hurt of that night.

That horrid-house-of-w****s.

She comforts me, my savior-friend,

And helps me through the night.

Before she leaves, she asks me this,

225     To come visit her next night.

I said I would but wandered why

She would ask such a thing.

I do not want to leave my home

My sanctuary and trade it for fun.

230     I want to live in m safety-net and never show again.