father is back and angry
again the lifeguards post red flags
spousal violence witnessed
according to my therapist(s)
makes one depressive, overweight,
inner tube leg-dangle anxious
advice from those who survive
when the storm comes, tread lightly
at the wave’s crest take a breath
hold up those who, like you, hurt
this raft the bits of family
we banded together, held each other
afloat through fierce waves we knew
would calm, lap sorry at our feet
but we’ve seen too much blood
and fins to ever feel safe to swim.
TIFFANY BELIEU is a poetry late bloomer. Her work is published or forthcoming in Awkward Mermaid, Collective Unrest, Pussy Magic and Moonchild Magazine. She loves tea and cats and can be found @tiffobot on Twitter.
The Cabinet of Heed 