I wish my parents wouldn’t fight –
I feel like a cat curled up in a corner
With no one noticing it.
They act like robots out of control,
Moving clumsily, crashing gears,
Not like parents at all.
They sound like horrid black crows –
It would be ridiculous
If it wasn’t so serious.
When it’s a really bad fight
I feel bloodless and cold
Like a victim of Dracula.
When my parents fight
I'm really scared,
Because I think
They will divorce
Or separate
And leave me.
When I argue with my sister
it’s usually because
she cheats at cards,
But when my parents quarrel
It’s like unravelling
A ball of messed-up string-
Hard to find the start.
I think of words to help,
But they get tangled in my throat
And don’t come out.
I’d like to be a bear for a while,
And crawl into a hole
or hibernate for good,
Or run away
But usually I end up
Going to bed in my clothes
And lying awake instead.
They might not separate,
But I can’t be sure, can I?
Earthquakes happen now and then,
It’s the possibility I don’t like
As if something bad is tailing me
Or a sign was on my back
Saying
“My Parents Fight”
And everyone is staring.
...another excellent write on a subject children are concerned about
Oh Philippa, does it help if all those who suffer, or never forget having suffered, from just that, line up behind you...?
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Sensitive write, dear poet Philippa. With the eyes of children who are always concerned about. The poem is there: call the parents. Thanks for sharing. Bravo. Joseph Josephides - Member of the International Society of Poets (ISP) Intern.Library of Poetry awarded