Wildfires

You stayed out past curfew.
This isn’t the first time it’s happened;
What do you think should be your punishment?

Lock me up in my room
With no food, no water
Just sunshine and oxygen,
Mother dearest.

I am quiet,
Thinking happy thoughts
With Ana beside me
To support me once again.

Your mother and I
Are very disappointed in you.
We didn’t raise you like that.
Don’t bring up your brother either.

PleaseAnagivemestrengthnocryingnoweakness.

I managed an apology as
Fake as the acrylic nails my friends like;
I wonder if they’re still my friends
And if they still like acrylic nails.
With my head bowed like
I’m praying
But this isn’t a church
And He isn’t here to help me
Because I lost that hope
a
long
time
ago.

Go upstairs to your room,
Iris, you’re grounded for a month.
By the way, Bobby is visiting from college
For the weekend and we’re going to the airport
But you’ll stay home and make dinner.

My brother, Bobby, is visiting.
Oh joy!
I am so elated.
So enthused, in fact, that I
Just nod like a puppet on a string
Or an obedient lap dog.

Just know that we love you!
Both of us, don’t ever doubt it.
We just worry about you.

My parents lie to me,
My friends lied to me,
I lie to myself;
The only one who tells
The Truth is Ana.