A Reservoir of Words

Your body is no longer your own.
Sex, on demand.
Sick? Tired?
Not in the mood?
You must submit yourself
in all things
to your husband.
[omit] the next verse from your sermons
and wedding vows.
Mutual love, mutual submission
does not fit their narrative.

Your body belongs to your husband,
says the 30-year-old pastor,
instructing women, some
newly married,
some who have not yet married
but will sometime soon.
Still impressionable, moldable.
Become the perfect Christian wife.

Think of the questions before they are asked.
What if I’m sick?
What if I’m too hot?

Answer the questions before coming up for air.

That’s why God created
Tylenol.