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.

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