EMBERS.

I want to scream
I cannot.
I want to weep till it streams
I must not.

I call to momma in fear
"Momma, please. Don’t die, fight!"
Silent words for her to hear
I hide in the cocooned night,
away from him, bathed in smear
Behind the dark sofa I alight
torn with tears, drowned in fear
I watch him move fast and light
A blow here, a punch there
he deals with aplomb and bright
his eyes without mire
a gaze so frightening a sight.

I look at momma crouched by the fire
and I will her to fight
silly little girl filled with fear and ire
and then I see momma...
cringing in pain and fright
begging softly with a strength so dire
and I want to howl and
run into his...