Storm Chaser

On my drive over to you I went back in time To that first drop of tears that ushered in the storm I was too young to understand, but I knew an evil hand Even though he smiled when he came over I couldn’t pretend I meander in and out of my lane as the painful memory unravels You took a part of me with you and the pain is with me on all my travels In life. And I still don’t understand why you never left this damn curse You still forgave him even after all the drama of the ugly divorce I’ve got them with me in the car, they bear some internal scars They keep asking me where we’re going and if it’s still too far... I keep looking straight ahead because I don’t want them to see my shame Choking on my voice I say, “Don’t worry kids, we’re going to mommy’s new home.” The nights you came home crying, bleeding, inconsolable and bruised Mother’s consoling words, that you needed to be strong, which had me even more bemused I sink into a deep, dark place...filled with rage as we approach the cemetery gates It’s been a year since our last visit and they too now also quieten down in the back seat So many women, like yourself tolerate these men’s insecurities He possessed you and treated you like an object, taking advantage of your loyalties Episode after bad episode...broken bones, stories of extramarital affairs As soon as you healed physically, you returned home to him and I would despair I miss you sis’ and you were taken from us too soon He’s in jail now, but I heard he’ll be released on parole from prison You lived your life with such vigour, never afraid to face danger not even his fists and razor We’re left at a huge loss in the aftermath of the destruction of your passing like a storm chaser 08-23-15 Contest: Pendleton Arkwright's Rain and Dark, Isolated Places