Once Again
Here I am,
Once again
Staring at the tiny pool of water
That sits so quietly in its porcelain pot.
The same little pond
I’ve come to know so well.
As usual, we stare at each other
Just for a little while
Trying our best to justify the
Fiery purge to come
As usual, we succeed
And with our routine, proceed.
Convulsions, heaves.
A flame sparks in my chest
And spreads to my throat
Burning the path it blazes
Leaving in its wake
a subtle, red ache
Voices use their exclamations
to stoke the flames.
FAT! FAT! FAT!
PIG! PIG! PIG!
YOU GLUTTON!!!!
And the fire burns
Until the lumber is
turned to ash.
And here I am,
Once again,
Staring at the tainted pool of water
That sits festering in its porcelain pot
The same little bog
I’ve come to know so well.
As usual, we stare at each other
Just for a little while
Before I abruptly erase any
Trace of my guilt and shame.