Crackling In The Flames Poem by Charles Chaim Wax

Walked into Peter F’s
office
sat
then said,
“Another rejection.”
He swung his feet
on the large metal
desk
saying,
“Bernstein,
wasted your
life
at the Board of Ed—
36 years
shoulda gone to Viet Nam
put out the Great Novel
famous
money
Hollywood.”
In my defense I said,
“Father hated me
mother crippled me.”
A look
shot across his face
awe
sadness
couldn’t be sure
“And if not an author
you coulda been
the greatest shrink
ever.”
Once more the stare
then
“Father beat me
no mercy in the man
and mother
turning away
like
the purple bruises
were painted on.”