trained will

morning commences.
the kettle remains
in its assigned position.
steam rises,
thins,
ceases.

the cups are aligned.

I record the fact:
the door is not locked.
he remains
by choice.
will
is a trainable function.
it can be shaped
to meet
the required form.

for the thousandth time
the statement is reproduced,
clearly,
without deviation:

"the door is not locked.
I choose to stay.
every action I take
confirms this."

repeat.

on the wall
the implements remain
properly placed.
their presence
is sufficient.
contact
is unnecessary.
my word
penetrates deeper
than any instrument
is capable of.

I provide the conditions.
evaluate the consequences
of remaining
without supervision.
abandoned objects
are not recovered.
determine
your position
under that status.

love –
is correct placement
maintained
over time.

inspect the bed.
inspect the shoes.
inspect yourself.

hesitation
signals error.
error
is correctable.

do not fear instruction.
fear
its absence.

I will demonstrate
how to stand.
how to speak.
when silence
is required.

gratitude is recorded
regardless
of merit.

he expresses thanks
for what
was never his
to receive.

permission
is assumed.

he returns
to his room.
the door remains unlocked.
the outcome
does not.