At 8AM
Their voices rise
Angry statements
No surprise

By 9
Their shouts seep under doors
Revealed to all
Through vibrating floors

At 12
Mom comes down the stairs
"I'm going out."
We all just stare

'Cause though she smiles
Her eyes vacant
And the makeup she wears
Can't hide her hatred

Her eyes swollen red
Tears streak her face
As she puts on her heels
And tries leaving with grace

The house is silent
No one voices concern
We all know she'll be back
It's just something we've learned

By 7
She's back pretending all's well
Setting plates out for dinner
For an unspoken hell

By 8PM
The silence grows
No one speaks up
And they throw silent blows

Which turn into doors
Slamming shut as plates fall
Accusations now flying
Forming a verbal squall

"How could you do this?"
"Well it's your fault, not mine!"
"I'M NOT TO BLAME."
A common tag line

Above all, I hear
"I have expectations of you!"
Looking down, I whisper
"I have expectations too."