Maternal Wisdom Copyright © Colin Whyles 2011

Perhaps I should have listened
when Mother dispensed wisdom
regarding fruit forbidden;
I should have done her bidding

I surely should not have dabbled -
particularly while addled -
as up the creek I paddled
my burden to me saddled

And if I'm not mistaken -
it's clear why I feel forsaken -
I shouldn't have partaken
of that fruit, however fragrant

And if I had been cleverer
I would have noticed whether her
prognosis was my preference
or perhaps I could better her

And now that finger beckoning
summons me to the reckoning
a prospect somewhat threatening;
the jangle of nerves deafening

And as they read the litany
of errors they can stick on me
(but none of them are bigamy)
suddenly I find my epiphany
(and don a robe of tiffany)