by The Poet Darkling
I. Loss
nighttime
I sleep in
shadows
of sweat and
urine.
the center
square
of my quilt
shines
yellow
and wet.
I never
hear
uncle come.
I can’t.
his shape
blocks
the moon
sliver.
I keep
my eyes
shut tight.
he lifts
me up
and away.
II. Anger
dreams lie.
mother swishes
her skirt in
the kitchen
as she darts
around
the truth.
she stirs
a stew.
carrots. onions. garlic.
her apron
stained with
cherry;
something
brown.
dad never
learns the
truth.
III. Joy
a telegram.
Sam calls
uncle.
War.
mother weeps;
uncle looks
fine and proud.
a private.
“Kiss uncle bye!”
his whiskers
scratch
my cheek.
four months,
a telegram.
Gone.
his whiskers
never
scratch me
again.
Category: Poetry, SNHU Creative Writing, SNHU online creative writing, SNHU Student