The Talk

A father sat with his children in their bedroom

Their energy sapped from the latest news

The father, unsure of how to explain directly,

Wove this tale,

“There once was a Queen named Justice.

She was known to be fair and true.

She kept her eyes covered and would not peek

In lieu of remaining just.

People adored her,

People wanted her,

She was the brightest star in this dim world.

Then she met Prejudice.

A slime ball of a man

But she couldn’t see

He offered to be her help

Offered to be her eyes

And she accepted

Prejudice sneered at the idea of equality

And whispered falsities into her ear.

Poor Justice, not knowing who she was condemning,

Followed whatever Prejudice said

All who Prejudice thought unworthy of humanity were tossed away

Those who worshipped Prejudice were rewarded.

But Justice lost her peoples’ faith.

She lost their respect.

And Prejudice became king.”

The father paused, taking in his children’s terrified faces.

He smiled gently.

“But legend says that Justice will reign once more.

Someday soon, it swears.

Only after the brave Sir Equality finds her

And together, Prejudice they’ll slay.”

One by one, the children nodded off

Content with the story’s end.

The father tucked them in,

Turned out the lights,

And promised to see them in the morn.