I got truly excellent crit on it the first time I posted the very first version, but in my head that beginning was like the first words in a rhyme that I was afraid of forgetting. I think I have some grasp of the story now, though (or it's just run so far away on me that it doesn't matter), and I don't need those struts.
To the person who Said So (though I know you won't see this): thank you, and I'm sorry if you felt I ignored your solid advice.