what stronger feelings of betrayal
than to be pierced
by one you resolved
to love and trust
again?
to see one’s own baby child
pierced by that same fiery tongue
may the fires of hell
never burn
as hot as this father’s wrath
may this father’s wrath
subside into peace
peace like a baby child
peace like a baby child in a manger
lest all be ruined
and rendered useless