Domestic Bliss

"She cringes at the sound of shattering glass..."

Photo by Taylor Flowe on Unsplash

Redwood walls hover over the walks
Ivy thrives here along with maryjane
rosemary and thyme.

He glowers from his doorstep
unavoidable
between my car and my door
his beard peppered
his eyes like steel and blood
his smile like the Cheshire Cat

But the grin left last month
when I called the cops
for his screaming woman.

She's still around
decided not to press charges
even bailed him out

couldn't stand the
brutality
she saw him go through

forgetting her own bruises.
Doin' just fine now, she says
She cringes at the sound
of shattering glass
of whining cries
from the place upstairs

Then she shrugs
Another fight … well gotta go
She disappears inside.

I retreat to my place
My bay window faces outward
toward the sea
I close my door on those
facing inward
facing each other
facing the blank garden apartment
tenement walls.

---

You can read more from Sue Cauhape on her page, “Ring Around the Basin”:

---

If you prefer to make a one-time donation, you can contribute any amount to Juke using these Venmo and Paypal links.