In the Name of the Father

Even now, raised voices,
clatter of dishes in sink,
car engine outside and
I’m a child again.

There are those who preach
forgiveness, perhaps I even
envy them but I never
asked for violence.

A child. Just a child.
Always a child. Who can
never forget, never fully
trust, never truly remember

what safety felt like.
I survived because of your
absence, Father, please
don’t ever forget that.