(c) 2021 by Michael L. Utley

(#13)

It is only blood
Just a cut on father’s head
Battered mother weeps
I have slain the beast for now
Ten-year-old son dies inside

…..

(#14)

In the backyard ball
Bounces against shed all day
Louder louder must
Drown out monster’s roaring voice
Dusty tears streak child’s face

…..

(#15)

There are things that I
Should not know but can’t forget
No child should be forced
To defend his mother’s life
Against father’s flying fists