the house of sorrows stands alone,
fights and screaming are all that’s known.
he creaks and sighs with every walk,
listening to vicious talk
made by those with broken souls,
each one fighting for control.
the house of sorrows knows the pain
of each resident by name.
he watches as the daughter tries
to choke back her bitter cries.
he listens to the father’s words
that choke the daughter’s neck like cords.
the mother’s sitting to the side,
observing with her steely eyes
of what will cause the broken ties.
the house of sorrows knows no peace -
with each month the fights increase.
he hears the hurt in mother’s voice,
overrun by all the noise.
he sees the daughter watch the moon,
praying: all will be over soon.
he feels the father pace around,
footsteps dominant in sound.
he knows too much to let them know,
sending them a hum so slow.
the house of sorrows stands alone,
fights and screaming are all that’s known.
maybe soon it will all cease,
will it get better piece by piece?
the house will heave a final sigh,
look up at the starry sky
and let her blanket him with sleep,
no longer hearing the daughter weep.