Banging Your Head on a Dorm Room Bed

You used to cry when Mom did it

On an open cabinet—

How you would wince at her writhing

And stretch your condolences with soft muscle

Because no one wants to see Momma cry.

It’s the dictionary definition of “unsuspecting blow”

A nameless enemy striking from behind

A throbbing reminder that perfection is not immortal

 In a life constructed solely of mortal fear.

Except this time—

No one is there to wince at my writhing

No one is there to close the cabinet door.