An Invitation

“You mustn't ever look a man in the eye”, said Mother.

“He’ll take that as an invitation.” 

Lavender shampoo coats the young girl's head in its delicate aroma. 

Mother, pouring water over the girl's dark golden hair,

watches as it wraps over her little one,

washing away the shampoo and with it,

her innocence, down the bathtub drain. 

Her fresh-freckled face, no older than 7.

Dark strands drape over her obedient eyes.

“Never wear anything above the knee,

he’ll take that as an invitation.” 

The girl didnt know what that meant.

She couldn’t understand how her princess dresses

could warrant a request. 

“And please”, mother pauses,

“Never raise your voice. You must be disciplined when you speak,

as he will take that as an invitation.” 

The girl, wondering what party her mother must have been

referring to, swallows her advice. 

Let it wash over her just as the water did.