young boy feels pain—a bee sting, a

stubbed toe, a mean older brother

—feels it like a throbbing fire

that no struggle can blunt

eyes glazed with tears

looks up at father

Strong, Gentle, Hushes his son.

He knows

This moment of pain will pass—he’s

been through his share.

Bandage, kiss on the forehead,

lullaby, goodnight.

Returns to his room, removes his clothes. dark, red blisters.

Walks… until he reaches fire

lies down

tears leak down each temple into his scalp

he looks up