"Family Secrets" REVISED. Note: I sometimes post my poems too soon. Later revised version presents the same story, told in fewer words.
He taught Bible study at our local church. Mother caught him kissing her cousin, Marie, in the kitchen. He groped cousin Anna under the water as we swam in the pond. My thirteenth birthday, in his eyes, meant that I was fair game. I resisted, threaten to tell. Again, Mother caught him snooping to watch sister and I in the shower. A lifetime of dread for the next shot. when, or what, or who. Always uncomfortable in his presence. Thirty-five years, the ugly secret kept, for Mother’s sake. In my heart, sweet relief felt, on the day he died.
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.