LatinosUSA

The heaviest footfalls my heart
would ever know came from
family members lined up in
anger at my parents’ front

door.
The loud crescendo of rushing
mendacious feet.
Such a dreadful, pitifully sad
day.

Where life becomes frozen in

time.

No strength to say what needs

to be said.

Out of respect for the newly
dead.

Stifling gasping cries.

Saying last goodbyes to everyone
that made me who I am.
Betrayal once seen and felt can’t

be unseen.

When you were needed most you

did the least.

Robbers’ housebreakers of my

peace.
All these years later those indignant
heavy footsteps that landed on the
front porch, took with them familiar
faces, childhood memories, traditions
and family history my heart wants so
much to forget.

I can hear vividly the betrayal of those

riotous feet.

Wishing I was anywhere else.
Estrangement comes at a heavy and
piteous cost.
This time, I must save myself.

Copyright © 2025 Chyrel J. Jackson
All Rights Reserved