A Modern Bluebeard

by Jane Yolen

So, he controls you, my dear friend,

cozens, warns, makes allowances,

hands tight on the reins.

So he feeds you sweets, tells you secrets,

whispers them in your ear: Tonight,

he says; the promise tickles.

There is a new gown, he brushes your hair,

a hundred and one strokes,

his hand on his knife.

Look, look, there’s blood upon the key.

* * * * *

Jane Yolen, author of 360+ books (actual number) including 8 books of adult poetry. Much of her work is for young readers, but she has a number of novels, essay collections, and pedagogical books for adult as well. www.janeyolen.com