When my children were very young
I would bribe them with
hugs and kisses.
They would come running for 
their reward, smiling and happy.
They soon wised up and we move on
to treats and privileges.

My father’s reward was a choice between a
Cutglass Flyswatter or a
Furlined Bathtub.
I had to pick.
Sometimes I picked the flyswatter,
other times, the tub.
I believed that if I complied 
they would, someday, materialize.

I visualized a Cutglass Flyswatter
doing it’s intended job-
shattering into a shiny pile
of broken crystal and flies.
    (Why would someone give this
      to a child!)

I imagined what it would feel like
to slide into a pelt lined bathtub,
the fur tickling my butt.
A little weriod, but more practical
and less dangerous than the flyswatter.

I worried about the damp fur after
the tub was drained-
which would smelled like wet dog-
and be a breeding ground  for
bacteria and mold.

I eventually realized 
these prizes were a trick, a joke
but, I still complied- 
aimed to please.
My only reward, my parent’s
affection-
Hugs and kisses.