He didn't sleep
night or day
but to cheer him up
I taught him
something useful

I'll hold him
from his World War II
from the rolled-up newspapers
the front door that waited

He was looking up at me
saying
it was worse
he was impartial
didn't laugh
I urged
you go hide at friends' homes
he didn't pay any attention
just looked
stared up
motionless
staring
jaw frozen
But I refuse to let it get me down

This is how he punishes me

to wake up
early morning
to the glaring whisper
...GIVE...MORE

I don't like to face him