In the Name of Piety

Hasidic sex is repeated, ritualistic destruction,  
twisted caricature of ultimate, passionate unity  
Quietly despised, but completed regardless  
so this woman can continue to be a good wife  
  
From the moment of preparation to immerse  
in the depths of the ritual bath, heavenly waters  
until the act of returning to intimacy is over,  
there is little to ease the void of romantic love  
  
Routine has twisted to pattern elevated to ritual  
Restrictions dark like the room where ‘love’ is made  
No spontaneity, little affection, and less foreplay  
as long as is he is sated, so he will be a good husband  
  
My pleasure and consent is supposedly important  
But his is more important than mine, every time  
Immersion night and every other night thereafter  
until I become impure according to ancient Law  
  
Why don’t I protest, fight back or just walk away?  
That is a fair question, and here is my answer:  
God doesn't desire this atrocity done in His Name
I can't despise Him for the sins of His Creation  
  
For decades, rabbis have tightened the chokehold  
Strangling pious congregants into submission  
You will do as you are ordered or be shunned  
or worse will happen to your beloved children  
  
Many will say I chose this archaic life for myself  
They aren’t completely wrong, I did choose this  
Yet I chose a life of spirituality, of morality  
Not once did I consent to be denied marital joy  
  
I do the best I can to snatch priceless moments  
Of sweet love and affection from my husband  
Smiles, jokes and laughter have to substitute  
For the joys of lovemaking with no restraints