dinner is quiet
tonight
a space sits empty
alright
quiet comes dear
we bow our heads
not in prayer
but in fear
so
quiet comes dear
and we will pay
though we can no longer
afford to
though our minds
our limbs
fall away
momma won't protect
daddy will punch
while we lie wide awake
bodies sore, shoulders
fallen hunched
with one eye opened
babes swaddled in shrouds
with covers stretched over heads
a breathing hole
do
not
wail
out
loud
when daddy comes near
quiet, don't make a sound
remember not to cry,
Remember the longer he smiles,
the longer he'll flail.
little brother is broken
middle brother is silent
as death
mother is pleading
she holds onto her breath
sister wonders
what its like
to be softly touched
she dreams
a memory of other lifetimes
other galaxies
and such
hush little babes
forget free speech
though quiet comes dear
(you spoiled rotten little freaks!)
daddy's been drinking
he reads what you're thinking
knowledge is power
how he fills you with fear.
September 13th, 2011
Melissa A Howells Meloo of Tilt-a-World
