Smile

It's burning.
The pit of my stomach ignites with swallowed fire
and there it lives.

Thrust it down
into the starless night

inside.

Wipe away the red glow

and apply a blank stare.

Smother the flickering embers in
the black hole.
 

She doesn't yell at my overweight brother
or my father who is one belt loop away

from a heart attack.
No.
She scolds me for ordering
A sugary iced coffee.

I blink back flames

as we walk through the airport terminal.

My hand starts to freeze.
I ask my sister
If she wants the untouched sweet.
It doesn’t matter either way,
So skinny it wouldn't make a difference in her silhouette.

I need to be a good girl.

I do what she wants.
Adorn long curtains of silk,

Speak with lined lace,

Balance imaginary bound paper,
Hold my sandpaper tongue,
Hold my scorching heart,
And smile.