go
without the help
she needs right now.
If I don’t tell, things
could definitely go
straight to hell.
MY MOUTH OPENS
Like a floodgate,
cascading words
doubtless better left
dammed up inside.
But every ugly detail
comes splashing out.
As I talk, Darla’s eyes
grow wide. She didn’t
suspect a thing. How is
it possible to take care
of problem kids and not
maintain a semi-constant
vigil for problems? Is she lazy?
Ignorant? Or maybe she doesn’t
really care about anything
except the monthly stipends.
If that’s the case, too bad, so
sad. I’m betting one or more
of those is about to disappear.
DESPITE DRAGGING
My rear on three hours’ sleep;
despite my swollen cheek
being sort of stitched together