Because you were  “the woman”

(I realize now)

that for every mistake your children ever made

for every mistake your husband ever made

you thought it was 

all your fault

so when my husband was found out 

it was only natural for you 

to once again 

find the woman 

tie her to the stake

scourge her for not being able to carry the coals of others 

crucify me

and in so doing

 crucify yourself