Passage

A pole to the back
The body wrapped in chain
Her unencumbered beauty was stunning
     her fear exquisite
     her struggles inviting
     her screams heartening

The little ones scattered
A slight levitation
     a motionless approach of the feet
A soft landing
     perfect for raising her terror
Such supple hair
     sweet to the nostrils
     soft to the fingertips
Such reddened skin
     hot from exertion
     hot from horror

Such paled skin
     drained of fear
     drained of liquid life
The young return to play
     a new doll
     a new toy