#lizimgood

[behind-the-student]

Growing up my house was always burning

Small sparks would start in the kitchen

I’d try to smother the flames with apologies

My fathers anger like rising heat seeping past each doorframe

My mother holding smoke in her lungs from the fires of her childhood

Generations of burnt foundations

Beneath the embers and charred memories

Lies the ashes of yesterday

My sibling holding hands and our breath

We’ll fight the fires on our own

Because a burning house is not a home

And we’ve always burnt alone

[behind-the-student]

You said I love you, I have to break you

It won’t hurt, maybe just a little

Close you eyes, I’ll show you

Hurry up, wait right here

I will keep you safe, in this cage

Free from harm, trapped with me

I’ll keep you alive, until you die

You said I have to break you, I love you