By Autumn Griego
Artwork “Halo” by Alli Rowe
The rattle of rain
On the tin roof-top
Lulls me to sleep
Between the streetlight
And the door
I have to stay awake
I have to pay attention
Stinging eyes and burning ears
Who else will acknowledge
What happens when it rains?
The glass window
Cools my forehead
But my cheeks are hot
With Fear
Hushed voices
Shattered bottle
Stomping
Louder
LOUDER
Down the hall
His heavy steps
After her light ones
A locked door
Splintering wood
And in the morning,
There is no rain
When I find my dad
In the kitchen
Coffee
Bacon
“Can you make the eggs?”
“Sure”
I say
I thought it was a dream
Anxiety and Dread
Until I walked down to their room
And saw the broken wood