Altoid tins and Marlboro boxes

Cans of coke and Brooklyn’s welcome sign in Dumbo.

Bite marks and dried blood in an emergency room.

Shirley temples and cheap gas station wine.

Flashing lights that beg for attention,

screams that fall on deaf ears.

Cranberry juice and tylenol bottles.

Burning ears after sweet nothings.

I am my Mother’s love and my Father’s rage and envy.

The color that glows from my room door begging,

for someone to come in.