burn

tw: implied abuse

i know that anger
i know that fire
my whole life I’ve been burning
in the ashes you leave
poisonous words that sting like embers
and burn scars into my silent soul

i know that anger
you lit the match and i tend the fire
a little boy laughs
and i love him and i chose to burn him and i scream to stop and i cry his tears and i feel his scars
but that is what you did to me
and maybe if i do it to him you will realize how horrible it is

i know that anger
i know
that fire
i know you chose, i know you decided
to force my hand to touch those flames
burn my arms and singe my hair
blacken my lungs and scar my feet
burn me till there is nothing good to eat

devour me still, burnt and all
shatter my soul, ignore my calls
take my tears and keep them safe
away from my reddening face
tell me not to cry, threaten my silence
for we’re at the party now. tiny hand gripped in violence
and all that is seen,
and all that is heard
is a child and her mother’s quiet, harsh words.