The Rule and the Rod
by Ishana Basch


When I was a child, a man came to our house, and
demanded to be let in.

I was afraid, but my mother let him in.

The man told my mother she was raising me wrong, that
she should have been guided by the hand of God.

I remember her crying and
telling him she was doing
the best she could.

He said he must take me away and
raise me with the rule and the rod.

I don't know why she allowed him to
take me away.

But now, I'm glad she did because now
I know the rules and
I will make you follow them.


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