When I was a child, I
Was protected from salacious
Materials.
My mom, even more so.
She didn't even know her
Mother was with child until
An aunt came down the steps
And announced,
"You have a baby brother."
I remember reading a
Woman's magazine and
Tripping over the word,
"Pregnant."
I didn't know how to pronounce
It, or what it meant.
I can't remember when I first
Heard the word s-e-x,
But I knew it wasn't for me,
And I wondered how it worked,
For surely, no one would go to
Bed unclothed.
The only definition I knew for gay
Was gay.
Was my ignorance harmful?
No.
I'm glad I was spared.
But my sister-in-law did give
Me a doctor's manual
Before my wedding night;
So I had some knowledge
In my head,
Not in bed.
It was beyond exciting to be
Naïve as my husband and I
Discovered love together.
With my girls I was more
Open.
I wanted them to hear the truth
From me,
And not distortions from their
Peers.
I shared that sex in marriage
Is beautiful,
But outside marriage,
Destructive.
And I continued to protect them,
From questionable movies,
Music,
Books,
Not aware that the internet
Was in our future.
But now, the walls of
Decency have been
Demolished.
The vile onslaught
Makes me cringe,
Gasp,
And cry, "That's enough!"
While many no longer
Even blush.
I wish I could turn back the
Clock,
When it comes to
Sexual expression.
I can't.
But I can crank up my prayers:
Protect my grandchildren,
Lord.
Forgive us.
Have mercy.
Come quickly.