I come from love & comfort

My mom’s arms hold me,
warm water of the shower
running down my back

She sings the theme song
from Sesame Street; we sway
along together

My dad’s feet under
mine as we dance in the house
he leads me around

Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd,
The Beatles blare from speakers
as we laugh and rock

My grandparents’ hands
in mine, as we walk downtown
gazing at sky-scapers

Excitement abounds
museums, fancy lunches
the taste of ice cream





I come from hate & fear

Screaming voices wake
me at three AM; parents
viscously argue

I learn to sleep with
my fingers in my ears, and
to dream of silence

Calming my mother,
another panic attack
soothing her my role

Closing my eyes so
I don’t see them hitting in
alcohol-fueled rage

Knowing that I have
to try and stop it, but I
can’t, I’m only six

Wishing I could tell
someone who could help, but we
have to keep secrets





As I grow, I learn
that life has a great balance
love and hate have mixed

A yin and yang to
instill in me compassion;
make me who I am