In a classroom neat as a pin
the sixth grade social studies class
discussed serfdom in western Europe.

Young voices decried
the inevitability of life for serfs. They
espoused running away from the manor,

could not conceive of a lack of options. One
young girl asked if a serf girl could marry
the lord, if the lord really loved her.

She had been sold on an idea of
equality. Marrying a serf, I told her,
would be like a farmer marrying

a cow from his herd. The concept
was beyond her. Of that I was glad.