Lindsey Bellosa

I rock you,
let your screams rock me
until my love flickers,

like a night light.
I don't remember it being like this,
the first time

and then I hate you, and then
hate myself for hating you
and pray or wish or will you:

please stop screaming.
But I don't say it; I sing
and shush and kiss

your curls, damp with sweat
and tears and drool.
Vacuum of pain: dark

and wordless, for you.
Anger is a scream
that I can't soothe

and I think you hate me
for not being able to help you;
you are learning:

anger has teeth.
There are gaps light can't get in,
places love can't go.