-- there is a silver chain
around my throat
fey belled creation, man-made,
worn without protest
I know I should fight
struggle against this
I dare not show weakness
else I risk falling prey
how can I make you
understand my horror
this simple metal circlet
is, for me, a mark of shame
I turn my head
look away from the mirror
blinded by that simple
hateful mockery of a collar
do you recognize
the thing I dread most
I, more than any within
this crowded mind
am split, divided
the least of us is just
flipside
my dark mirror self
I tell you this because
you should know me
like any other slave
I fear
afraid that you will
earn my obedience
and in laying temporary claim
to my soul and mind
you will toss away my heart
leave me
finally
unowned
and I in foolish need
will surrender
and die... --