I feel sorry for the woman trying to be nice and take an interest in you that you just described as having claws.

Das hört sich ja echt nach einer Mischung aus Wegelagerei und Inquisition an!
Mir gefällt wieder das alltägliche Thema, das macht dir hier niemand nach.

This is...enigmatic. I really want to know what's happening because it sounds really interesting! I love your imagery (the milk that they have at public gatherings does taste a lot like plastic, doesn't it?). You capture uncomfortable small talk really well.

I can so relate to this. It's one of the reasons I stopped going to church. I'm actually very impressed that you described her hands as 'claws'. That's what I call them as well. The nails are always perfectly manicured and long and seem to dig into your skin as she smiles those fake denchers at you...Blegh. I'll pass on that experience.

your poem was well written, and i could picture the kid's uneasiness, lol. I know how he/she feels -.-