Blow After Blow 1957 Poem by Terry Collett

Blow after blow
Enid's father gave
her mother.

Enid ran
to her room
and closed the door
and stood by the window.

She peered at the door
in case her father
followed her there
and hit her too.

Cries came from
the other room
conflicting with
the TV sounds.

She bit her lip
waiting wondering
what started up
this latest argument
pushing the door shut
with her mind against
her father's entrance
should he come.

The TV stopped
whimpers simmered
from the other room
a door slammed.

Enid stared at the door
wished Benny was there
beside her.

She hugged herself
her small hands
on her arms
noticing the dark
wooden panels.

The radio
was turned on
from the front room
the crying stopped.

Enid ventured out
and stood
in the passageway
wishing her father
far far far away.