The people alone
Madam Discipline always obeys the rules.
Choking back a tear, dripping in devastation,
devoid of emotion, she stands —
alone.
There was nothing she could do. The rules had changed.
She awakens —
as Punishment gleefully rubs her hands
while Rebellion with her intimidators march outside.
as the people settle into the cold.
No one bothered to lock the door.
Locks weren’t needed until now.
Punishment squeals in delight.
Discipline, immobile, squeaks out a command
when Rebellion screeched her demands:
“Barely audible: Burn it all, let the phoenix arise.”
The stair case collapses.