By Autumn Griego

Artwork “Halo” by Alli Rowe

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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

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