Piles of pink plastic toys shimmer
Around her pigtails in the center
of a capsizing bed

She scrambles for shelter
a wet dog on deck
holding on

And squirms below father’s plump finger
Voices thunder and tremble
She wails like a siren

Innocent cries for justice and mercy
Without the words or why
A father repeats

Door swings open and he enters
A sibling with memories
Of such blood

Vengeance wound-up tightly
In quavering teen knuckles
Bitter blows rain

A regrettably bloody resolution
Worthwhile to notice her
snoring gentle sleep

Safe from the storm and snuggling into
dreams of pretty princess shoes
and gentle rocking waves