Cowardice

Tucked behind his back,
He kept it curled, and tight.
How would she ask to see it
When she spoke to him tonight?

Ready for a reason
So he could show her how
She needed to tow the line
And keep her head bowed down.

It followed him most everywhere,
Except a Friday night.
If there was trouble, he'd get scared;
Would run, instead of fight.

But here, at home, in his domain
He never could have missed.
The coward who controls his home
With that lost, hopeless fist.

And so, of his comeuppance.
Time's a funny thing to play.
In hospital, now paralysed
Alone. That's how he'll stay.