Manipulation (Poem)

The time for your escape has come and gone

What kept you here save your own curious mind?

You say you've seen too much, and yet look on

Where chaster souls would run, you glance behind

Have you no ministering angels to consult?

I have no power to decide your fate

The choice was yours, but therein lies the fault:

What good is choice when choice is made too late?

What good is virtue but a thing to lose?

What good are all the saintly attributes?

We wear them on and off whene'er we choose

To correspond with fashion, end disputes.

If you should think to speak, say but a word

And weigh it well. No explanation give

To those who haven't asked. What has occured

Is nothing more than reciprocative

Events without a price nor penalty

You've nothing lost that I can say I've gained

You've acted out your part adorably

And for my part, I hope I've entertained.