Dinnertime Rage

by Alison L. Aubrecht

tonight
sitting at the kitchen table
another ordinary dinner

whispers pass over
along with food
watching you
talk to him
never understanding more
than a lip-read word
or two

confusion
resides within me
a dangerous potion
when mixed with anger and frustration
only so long
before the trigger is pulled within

the expressions on your face
everything from
sorrow to laughter
am I am left out
still and forever

looking away
tears threaten
and you wonder why
and you minimize my pain
stuff it all down
another day