As the stiff door creaks open
The sweet ocean scents are consumed
By the stagnant bank-like air
That strangles my breathing.

At dinner
Floods of forced white smiles blind me.
I am unable to dive through the waves
Of ice pick stares
Between my parents.

I jealously eye my grandmother
As she clutches her gin and tonic.
With each delicious sip
She is able to escape my reality.

My eyes swim to my fork
Lying limp in my hand.
I notice the scrapes
Where gritted teeth
Have scarred the silvery tongs
With self-greed.

Riptides of curious insults
Sweep me back to the feast.
Dragging me deeper
Into a sea of family loathing.

The treacherous evening ends as quickly as it started.
Shells of kisses are given.
Crashing threats of future meetings are promised.
And inebriated smiles say farewell.

Outside only the stiff ocean air hugs me.
The chilled breeze warms me.
I am comforted by the rhythmic sounds of the ocean.
I am finally able to breathe.

Poetry Page

Background by:
Heater