Tag: trauma
-
Homeless
We pass them everyday. Here in our cities, even in our small towns. Here in the richest, most powerful nation on earth, no; in the history of earth. My parents generation used the phrase “Down on his luck.” It was a philosophical statement. The implication was that things were out of their control and but…
-
Past and Future Past
He lay in bed, in the semi darkness, the room only illuminated by the soft green glow of the stereo dial. The volume was turned down so the room was silent save for the occasional, quiet passing of other students in the hall. Janice, who was starting to become a thing, had knocked softly on…
-
The Last Drop
“It is not the last drop that empties the water-clock, but all that which previously has flowed out…” – Seneca . Neither here Neither there Neither anywhere . I wonder what they thought When they found him . Not quite ours Not quite yours Not quite theirs . I wonder what they thought When they…
-
Castaway
You’re never too old to cry for that which is lost The pieces of my life are woven together with the thinnest of thread. I don’t think there is anyone that even remembers Cambria Heights. Especially Cambria Heights. I have few living relatives, and I see them rarely, if at all. None of them would…
-
Leave It Alone
Some of us have a place where we keep the stuff. The rage, from all the better From all the injustice From all the victimization From all the brutality Shrinks and aunts think we should open it up This box of rage “It’s better to confront it…” Would they say that if they knew? If…
-
The Witch
I don’t use the word lightly. But I am not sure how else to describe her. You’re judging, I can tell, and normally I’m with you on that. But hear me out, some people have rotten hearts. A good teacher can do a world of good in a child’s life. A bad teacher can do…
-
David
David was an unlikely role model. Alcoholic, unable to hold a job for long, drifting from sibling to sibling dependent on their love of family to put him up in their homes. They were a good sort, his brothers and sisters, my aunts and uncles. And so they put up with David. And his nieces…
-
Dad
I liked the darkness. The smell of sawdust from the game table. Blue or magenta glowing lights back-lit a wall of liquor bottles. Rough women and rougher men. No one wanted to talk to a kid. They had serious drinking to do and the world’s problems to solve. I had to entertain myself. There was always…