They fought like lions,

Slinking around the living room sofa,

Preparing to pounce on one-another

And using words to tear into each other

Like sharp teeth sinking into sour flesh.

I climbed through a hole in the wall

And reached my arms around my head

To protect myself

From the falling roof.

I was saved by the pages of a book

That wrapped around me like a baby's blanket,

Pages warmer than a mother's love

And paragraphs more potent than a parent's lies.

I hid my cries behind blueberry eyes

And plump tomato cheeks,

Never knowing what I lost

Until I was too old to get it back