the betrayal

childhood memories

i told her

i told mom

"i saw dad dial her number"

and i did, short hurried rotations

spin-3303-Mary Martha

he dials them quick

and looks back to the bedroom

where she sleeps

and i, like a spy on the couch

see his anxious eyes

enough time for a few rings

he hangs up gently

a signal

 

i told her

i told mom

"it was a dream," he answers

"she's crazy"

mom holds her coffee in one hand

her chin rests in the other

a newly lit cigarette dangles from her fingertips

and i told him

"you're f*****g lying, you did, at five thirty"

i say the "f" word to him

the first time, at thirteen

 

mom sits at the table

stares out the kitchen window

not a word

brother slams the door

and teeters the cement steps

he runs next door, teary eyes and bare feet

sister cunningly slides a half-full pack of cigs

up her sleeve and goes to her room

i am told to go

but i stay-

he whips me for saying the "f" word

and for staying

but in my heart i know

 he whips me for telling

Reviews

[ljc]

You are able to convey so much in such a concise and yet poetic way. The emotions (or lack of emotion) for the different characters was right on mark. Very impressive.

[Bud]

Wow!!! What a great write...poetic yet read like a story at the same time. Kept my attention all the way through! I like this. Fantastic work!