a scream
followed by three
and then more.
“Help!” my child screams: “You’re my enemy!”
I can’t catch my breath!
I’m getting a nosebleed!
Wow, my son’s “enemy”?
“What’s an enemy?”
“You know- I hate you!”
“But I bought you organic carrots.”
“I’m calling Mommy!”
“But we just were laughing doing your homework.”
This is too painful to be happening.
Such anger- rage: “help?”
“Don’t you feel safe with your Daddy?”
No response.
I run to the kitchen.
What have I done, son?
Are we not God's sweet gifts to each other?
Partners forever in this long song?
I hurry back to his bedroom with a glass of water
my little boy lying there fast asleep.
Delray Beach, FL
11/12/03