~   A Bench for One   ~

A bench for one sets rigid, in the middle of the floor
Surrounded by tall windows… same size as the doors
Shiny lacquered planks, lay beneath the throne
Ne’er another stick in sight, this bench sets alone.

No back or arms attached to it, four legs, just a top
Looking lonely in the room, where no one dares to stop
Worn from years of tiny wiggling bottoms, burning hot
Tummies laid across it, leather black strap on the spot.

Children tiptoe past the door, as if said bench could hear
Rush to class, don’t be the last, to lag behind the fear
Looking rather nasty, Headmaster’s jaws tight clenched
Searching out a misfit, to lay cross the single bench.

COPYRIGHT©2005 BONNIE TORRENTE

Wednesday, July 13, 2005