Smoke

 

 

In the dead of the night, I see your truck in my driveway

Dark, silent

Lurking, like a killer waiting for his prey

 

I run for cover, to check the children

  Alarm!

My heart races

And so do I – where are my children?!

 

I smell you before I see you, and then

Your smoke wafts across the bedroom doorway

You are leaning over my daughter

She sleeps unaware of the danger hovering just overhead

 

To protect my daughter,

I cajole, I lure you with all my wiles

I lead you away with all I have to offer

…and then some

 

You frighten me.

Your danger used to be so attractive

So tempting

Enough to make me want to leave my own safety

So I left

Now, I only want you to leave

 

I awaken

Shaken

and realize it was only a dream

yet recheck the alarm system anyway

so I can try to sleep

 

Within the week, you appear

at my door

out of the blue

unexpectedly

with your smile and wine-soaked words

I smell your Cigar and

am frightened

You can tell I am terrified

I tell you to leave

I lie that my lover is coming soon

So, you leave

 

You tell me you want me to be happy

…then leave me be,

 

at least this is my hope.

 

~ Mk Michaels