“Roses in a Vase”

No one in our household can resist the small roses at HEB. Some weeks, the blooms draw attention to the multicolored petals. Other times, a bright yellow set catches my attention, as my mother, sister and I all carried yellow roses at our simple weddings. A brilliant flaming red or a cool soft pink may tempt one of us. I love capturing their brilliance before they fade away. 

Copyright 2026 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman

"No Shame"

 

See this world  
            Revolving around you   
            ‘Cause you’re sooooo SPECIAL?   
                        A Disney Princess   
                                    Twisted on the inside    
                                    By your Hypocrisy 
            Your venomous spittle sprays 
                        And you shout your righteous indignation
                               Against those who sustain you, clothe you,      
                                     nurture you  
You—The Beggar—   
            Who bites up to the elbow   
                        Your ravenous maw congealed with  
                                    the flesh of the hands that feed you  

You carry No Shame  

                        For badgering, and belittling, and bullying  
                 No Shame   
                        For the lives you taint with your poison 
                 No Shame  
                        For the pain you reap  
            ‘Cause you’re sooooo SPECIAL— 
With this world  
            Revolving around you  

 

Copyright 2015 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman

 

"Golden Son"

Told from the moment of your birth, you’re the Golden Son   

Praised for petty acts and deeds, you’re mother’s Special One   

Worshipped within your family, you learn bold conceit   

Playing games you can’t win, you begin to cheat   

Your skill in charming others often leads to sly lies   

Forcing others to view you through your mama’s eyes   

Cocky and self-centered, you use people in your life   

    Manipulating others helps you avoid strife

Adultery entices you, it’s part of your game   

Interchangeable parts—all women are the same  

Unhappiness follows your steps, even when you run     

You can’t help the hearts you break, you’re the Golden Son   

Copyright 2011 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman

All of us know a "Golden Son" either through personal or professional relationships.