Accidental break of a plate shatters the space

Culprit ducks as if under fire

Feet patter down the stairs, peek through the bars

As the crackling castigation ignites the punishment pyre

Summoned ‘round the dinner table silently

Consuming seclusion, impossible to douse

Eying an empty setting while everyone eats

Posture miserably rigid, like this house.

Dreams of doorways that don’t summon dread,

A bathroom not utilized to hide,

Walls filled with captured happy memories,

Not framing a captivity in which to survive.

A bed to wake in, sweet and serenely

Enveloped in arms that ensure you’re not alone

Accidental break of a plate shatters the space

Tightening embrace sleepily teases, “There’s no place like home.”