a daughter's defiance

White walls and patio furniture
Rained on for years by the corpulent feast
Drafty bedrooms with the shades pulled down
And the sheets kicked off the bed-
No words were spoken.
I hid my telephone and stole from you
You saw only the screen.
The door was shut but the locks were gone
I know, I tried, I tried.
Fresh flowers and old consciences
will wilt by noon and dry by night.