Royersford, Pa.

I peered over the fence
and watched a puddle evaporate
for what felt like hours.
I laid my head on the grass
under the tree and closed my eyes.
I thought about the summers in the city,
and how lucky I am that I was able to escape
before it claimed me.
I though about the closet-alcoholic mothers
and fathers and the shameful secrets
they are buried with.
I though about a book that I once read
about a man who spent the majority of his life
in a cage.
I though about the night my mother was beaten
by crack dealers,
and the look on her swollen face
when she eased her sore body
into my dad's tan Datsun hatchback.
I opened my eyes
and saw the gently swaying tree above me,
listening to the wind's attempts
to lessen my burden.
The years have not been kind,
but I'm slowly getting my legs back.