A big thank you to Editor Mark Antony Rossi for publishing this poem in Ariel Chart.

Incendiary

Barbie dolls and G.I. Joe’s,

Matchbox cars, colorful Legos,

all lost to a house going up in flames.

 

Please don't light the match.

 

She has always taken the blame,

protected the childrens’ lives.

Oh, boy, here’s today’s surprise.

An empty box (ing), no ribbon tied.

I know what's mine.

 

Please don't light the match.

 

He has gaslighted to best effect.

All decisions in his hands.

He criticizes, puts her down.

Her alibis now running dry.

She’s too busy,

there’s so much to do, 

so she can't see you,

must not answer that phone.

 

Please don't light the match.

 

Stay in this house alone,

keep the peace for them.

Too late, she's found that

nerve in her that twangs

after he last harangues.

Being ignored would've been so great.

 

Please don't light the match.

 

Too late, better this way,

hold the kids and watch it catch.

Linda Imbler is the author of the incredible poetry book "The Sea's Secret Song" and can be purchased at http://www.somapublishing.com