Not Wanting to Hear

For Writer's Cramp: childhood memory that remains, my parents fighting

Room is rather dark
Just the soft glow
Of a night light
Toys put away
No thanks to my sister

Trying to sleep
But failing miserably
Twisting beneath the sheets
The frilly comforter barely moves
And I hate it

From the hallway
There is noise
Parents fighting again
Both yelling at each other
Momentarily forgetting the children
Asleep in their beds

Not wanting to hear
I cover my head
With the soft pillow
Attempting to block out sound
Pressing harder and harder
Against young ears

Attempts failed
Never able to get away
From the yelling
Even years after the divorce
I will always remember
Pillows don’t block out sound