Apple wine and crackers
Tied up the potted mums
That had been destroyed by the dog
Brought the tomato plants in from the sunroom
Hand washed the dishes and swept the floor.
Normalcy returns when they hear my hurt
Relaxing into the ever after
Had my fill and then some
Some had meant to hurt
Putting their own pain and shame upon my head
Feeling better when they hit me
With their words
Or their lack of words
Never again will I listen to the dogs bark their self-hatred
Never again will I perform like a dancing bear
Never again will you hurt us both with your
Clowning around, jolly antics, meant to have fun
That tempered and honed me even more
And what would happen to you if you were
Hardened and razor sharp?