FOOTSTEPS

footsteps on the back porch
his daddy has come home
he cringes beneath the covers
feeling all alone
holding onto Teddy
he sees the kitchen light
mother’s up to greet him
for yet another fight
fist upon the table
a slap across the face
out you lousy drunk
get off my bloody case
voices raised in anger
a shout and then a scream
he closes his eyes so very tight
and prays it’s just a dream