14. Persis Performs

_*Dark* stage. PERSIS appears in taffeta, ribbons in hair. Curtsy. Rainbow appears upstage and vanishes._ PERSIS: Dark is the hope that Papa fears the most; Light is the scorching sun that blinds his eyes. When Mama holds him tightly, I despise Her tattered touch, her hatred, and her boast That she alone can ever have his love And scintillating words of saving praise. She is the wicked wind of solar rays Which burn him, roll through sockets, till I shove Her keening shrilly, lolloping away, And I return at last to Papa's side, Despairing of my lack of healing pride In him, the failure. Kissing him, I say, "Pa! though your flesh is gone, I'll ever care For you, in your glass cage devoid of air."

_PERSIS curtsys again, not knowing in which direction to face. She smiles nervously and turns back to me. I nod approvingly, remembering the Mama figure I created to make PERSIS love me more. I hold her hand and we bow together. I give her a loving kiss and send her offstage. She skips off, remembering no *fear*._