American Gothic, Revisited

Of course my pride includes you.
Like the window, like the kitchen,
it contains you very well.

Your parlor pallor suits you,
like the house I've carved your niche in.
Of course my pride includes you,

wife, not woman. You're not used to
debts or summer. Take that stitch in--
it contains you very well.

Don't think my plan eschews; you
feed my fork, I'll do the pitching.
Of course my pride includes you.

I claim my rights. I choose you
to enable me. My mission,
it contains you very well.

While I keep you, it behooves you
to keep me proud and wear your curtain.
Of course my pride includes you--
it contains you very well.

Laura Polley