Avoiding The Fray
By Reid Baer

I fear my father even as
old and frail as he is now; I
know it’s the memory of the man
who was once larger and meaner

Than me – I’m so naïve – I saw
how he tormented my older
brother back then and my own best
advice was to stay the hell out

Of Papa’s thunderously bad way …
I hoped my little pleasing smile
would soften his sharp anger to
protect myself by happy play

Perchance to keep the boogey man
away and my terrors at bay -
my core wound and sizeable
lover shadow I carry today.
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