Sin Scrubbed

Her husband wanted her squeaky clean, sin scrubbed,

too many eyes and tongues were playing darts.

Cinched tight in the Bible belt she had just enough

freedom to walk a straight line, but not enough

to question the destination.

Five steps into narrow she learned a pretty lie

could polish the pulpit, but truth could empty the pews.

Born on the far side of his dad’s fire and brimstone he peddled fear

with the finesse of a master manipulator, and the quick jaw

of a used car salesman selling overpriced to an empty pocket.

Learning late is still learning…Her husband was definitely his father’s son.

Her confessions might dirty the holy water, but his would turn it to mud.

For the first time in four revivals she was eager to go to the altar.

If he wanted a sin scrubbing, she’d provide the soap.

©Susie Clevenger 2017

#NaPoWriMo2017

Real Toads ~ The Tuesday Platform