he stares into my eyes as he smashes the tiles

inches away from my shattered face

and reminds me why we are strangers

but he's only 13

where has my baby gone?

who is this angry young man in his place

his anger is evident in the holes in the walls

the slashes on his skin

the missing part of my heart

the aching void in my soul

every story on the television is devoured

young teen dies in reckless car accident

young teen holds up liquor store, gas station

a 7 Eleven...

but I never recognize your face

phone calls come irregularly, requesting things

like your birth certificate, your tax file number

assuming you are becoming something
... acceptable?

but never on my birthday or yours

here comes your 18th

just your voice asking me how I am

leaves me volatile for days on end

because I can't speak past the coldness

from a heart you spat on and left bereft

You don't understand why I can't stop being angry

but, my oldest baby....

*you left