Growing Pains

Growing Pains


by C. L. BLEDSOE

Mother lying on the couch coughing fire,
the death of applause.
Father puddled on the floor,

paycheck spent on modeling glue. Sisters,
brothers.
Burn the couch, the television,

memory. My room had two windows, one opened
so close to the ground, you could step through,
the other,

an ankle spraining drop. This is why we never
took Mom along when we snuck out.
She was always one for falling, propping

herself over the deepest gorge
and waiting for the sensors
to push her over. Dr. Seaver,
you never came for me. Mike,

you bastard I trusted you.
Sat through Left Behind,
for your special message
at the end, and it was all about marketing.
Carol, I waited,

studied hard and wore glasses
till my eyes were ruined
but you disappeared yourself.
And Maggie, what is there to say

between the two of us?
Is your hair even blond?
Your eyes, empty and waiting?


C.L.Bledsoe

Posted over on 42 Opus