The Gnashing of the Teeth

When it hurts to hear the wailing
While there is gnashing of the teeth
My honest tongue still does remember
Like all the other broken reeds
The lies do fold like fools in headlights
Though they lube the knife with grease
My honest tongue still does remember
Like all the other smothered reeds
I know that you are fragile, child
And your mind is weak with ease
I can’t believe I turn the light on
When I know I’ll just retreat

As the gauntlet phases into focus
The clock reminds me ever clear
“He’s not yours
You lost. You lost.
Don’t waist your time in tears.”
All through haze and out of touch
I turn the light on disbelief
He’s not mine
My innocent taken
I remember but can’t reach

Angst within the point of wailing
While there is gnashing of the teeth
My honest tongue must still remember
I'm not the other broken reeds
If these lies could hurt me less
I’d be numb from periled feat
My honest tongue will still remember
I’m not of the smothered reeds
I would rather feel the pain and rifle
Lest your name may be decreased
My child, I will turn the light on
I’ll not leave you a broken reed.

(I am your mother, Ethan.)

S. Wilkes