A Sliver Remains

"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 voice.

I endure. The steps recede

I hear the settling on the couch below.

Exhale, let go, sob.

Tally the scars, the hurtful words

Painful moments etched in the fabric of my soul

A chain that keeps me bound

From embracing life, moving forward

Loving the little things, taking risks.

Believe, trust, faith.

This can't be the end. Hope.

A sliver remains. And that is all I need.

Not giving up. This counts.