Stones Thrown in Glass Houses

"Throw stone 'gainst glass, you'll end up shatterin'."

It was simple advice from a well-meaning relative, whose words of wisdom fell on pierced ears.

Swollen.

Grandma notes dully, the gaudy jewelry hanging, dazzling, unsettling.

She rocks on her chair by the window while he paints his nails.

"Boys shouldn't wear high heels."

"Don't care."

He was hip, wild and free, subject only to his youth and whimsy.

Night falls,
Grandma a'rocking,
A night owl hootin'-

Robyn clutches his certificate and a wad of money, crumbling and mumbling on Grandma's knees.

His temple, his sanctuary, was denied reassignment once again.