A guarded tempo rises

At the snarl of his voice,

When his shadow falls at home

And inner-worlds explode

–

Is it fear?

Is it elation?

In his son’s scarred heart?

When his headlight’s beam

And the front door groans open  

–

This familiar rhythm runs

And scalds in their veins,  

Passed down in rage,

Sowing secrecy and shame

–

Is it fear ?

Is it elation?

In his son’s tearful eyes?

When their curved roads diverge,

Through their desolation and silence