The Rat’s Perfume

1.

I’m not afraid to walk alone at night.

My fears live in the bedroom next to mine.

2.

Slumber party first kiss stories:

I’d rather lie than say “My brother” every time.

3.

My mom asked me what my nightmare was about.

I said “Same as always.” I meant “It’s your son.”

4.

I waited till morning to tell my parents.

Too late. They couldn’t find the monster he had been.

5.

Thanks for the therapist, mom and dad.

She agrees with me. I shouldn’t have had to save myself.

6.

I want to split my knuckles on your cheekbones:

My innocence. A thousand nights unbroken sleep.

7.

In every unexpected kiss

you scorch my lover’s sweetness. They reek of you.

8.

I spent years burning down your house

for the rat I once saw inside. I never found him.

Margaret Voetberg