"Lifes Etchings" Wrinkle lines that tears Don't erase. A bruise, a stitch, a brace. Not a sound I make, softly walking I fear the egg will break. Quietly, tiptoeing, I am safe. I hide, I shrink Alone, upstairs, I dare to think. TV volume low, closed captions on Trying to be invisible. Pause, listen, breathe. Footsteps approaching, stalking I prepare, I'm aware. Yelling, hurtful claims, threats. Praying for brevity, de-esclation A quick departure. Stay calm, stay quiet, no vo

A first post, a little perfectionism, and one small decision to put it out there anyway.