Don't Fall in Love

this silence is a threat
foreign, unknown
broken only by the sound
of her sobs on the bed
a gasp
and sobbing still more
shattered
drowning this child in fear
of never knowing when it will stop
of wondering
when my mother became so human
so afraid
and I am numb
eyes wide, taking it in
with no sorrow, no tears
only an overwhelming
impulse to hurt
the one who created her tears,
they will pay, time and again
as she grabs at my hand
this six year old
embraces vengeance
with arms open wide