May 9, 2016
Grace
by Dan Burns
Took out my key, saw two keyholes,
Aimed for the one on the right.
Been five years and six months
Since the last time I got drunk,
Came home to bear her wrath,
Only to live with it each day since.
I stood before her, wobbly and wondering.
She stood, prim and proper, a false demeanor,
Sniffed me, made a face as though revolted.
Said she had been waiting all night,
Scared and thinking I was dead,
But it was only seven o’clock.
She asked where I’d been.
Told her McNally had quit and I’d been promoted,
Went out to celebrate, have a beer.
She said, “With a raise?”
I said, “I assume so,” so
She called me an idiot.
“We’re struggling as it is.
You understand how this works, right?
You work, you get paid.
You work harder, you get paid more.
Now, I’m going to see you less and get less.
I’m the loser in this one.”
Yes, indeed, my brain said and
I offered to take her to dinner, wondered how.
She sniffed me again, said, “You’re drunk,” and
“I don’t want to go out—with you.”
Now cut twice, only I didn’t bleed but
My ears turned hot and red,
Like an iron sword just pulled from the fire.
I fought back the urge, never felt before,
Stepped closer and told her I loved her.
She leaned back, said, “I hate you.”
I kissed her, she said, “I hate you.”
I kissed her, and she kissed back.
The heat dropped from my ears,
Merged with hers as we probed
With hands of ancient newlyweds.
My edge hardened and in the moment,
All I could think about,
Her words: You’re an idiot.
My brain said, “Go!” but which way?
I had to stop, break free for
I stared at a stranger.
Said, “Who are you?” and
She replied with the same question.
Exactly.
I took a deep breath, calmed,
Eyes clear for the first time,
Turned and cut my way through
The doorway without looking back.
Write City Ezine is currently closed to submissions. See submission guidelines for further information.
Affiliates/Partners
Testimonials
Contact
Join CWA
Member Directory
My Account
Writers Conference
Presenters
Agents and Publishers
Pitch Sessions
Sponsors
Scholarships
Speaker Registration
Book of the Year
Spirit Award
First Chapter Contest
Resources
Home
Chicago Writers Association
info@chicagowrites.org
Make a Difference!