Release

kid with the posture held high
no emotion no cry
medium facial expression

there’s a little one here
the kid, 9
lil only 8
have to protect

be big sister
can’t show fear, worry, or heartache

the bedroom
the shower
the basement near the furnace

the swears
the threats
the, is it over yet?

the hug
when the police come
the battery
car not start

Push down the driveway
til
safety comes

It will come,

It came

but safety is now
it is here
adult children are near
the cycle to break
still needs work
notice it sooner

maybe, just maybe
this will stop
time to release
start with a few ponds
lift up place down
one
lift up place down
now do that three times

with those free arms
present the needs
withheld
for fear of not having anything
again.