For Kelly

Her life didn’t go all that well in the aftermath
After the outraged initial public response
Motivated by fear of imperial reprisal

The emperor went into seclusion
And silently instituted measures
Even more repressive than those in place hitherto

The family huddled around
With words of protection and damp approval
Don’t be afraid child you’ve done a good thing

But she was not afraid
Everyone else was
She was too young to be afraid

But she felt alone
And could not go to school or play outside
Without being pointed at

There’s the girl they’d say
She’s the one
Who saw and spoke

When she just wanted to see
The interesting parts of her world
And not the emperor’s genitals