Abandoned

He wraps defiance around himself like a blanket-

Pulls it over his head so he can’t see the monsters.

Anger feels better than fear.

He doesn’t want to leave,

but not because he wants to stay.

He yells and curses and fronts

because he doesn’t want to feel it.

The truth.

That’s he’s alone.

‘How far can I go and have you love me?’

His actions asked his father.

This far, said his father’s.

This far. Now I’m done.

Abandoned.

The professional helpers roll their eyes.

They sigh. What a day.

And a broken heart walks out of the ER

With a police escort.