caution tape prayer

Matilda, patron saint of women on the lam,

is an advocate to be wary of,

her intercessions are munificent,

her willingness to oblige—

elaborate.

My perpetual query:

how much grace to extend to those who do not give it back?

How to ration?

Which guideline for pneumatic portion control?

These questions are not Matilda's,

She does not stint on aid—

Divine or material.

When you pray to Matilda,

you must be cautious.

You have asked for her assistance,

And she then has one goal—

to bear you across frozen bends in rivers,

princes rotting in the keep,

on fresh-frozen ice,

to a freedom you haven't seen.