I promise to be with you in life and in death.

They scream so loud, they can’t take a breath.

Why is love so inconsistent?

What are you teaching these children?

My brother holds his head to the sky

I cover my sisters ears, or at least I try.

He nags and picks and she ticks like a bomb

We shouldn’t have to see this from our dad and our mom

And oh the hate, though no hands were raised

But I’d rather be stung by a sword than anymore verbal blades

I cry but in solitude I am safe

I tell myself, “Kid, wipe those tears from your face.”

“There will be other places that you can call homes.”

“So just hug yourself tight, and put on your headphones.”

…

I promise to be with you in life and in death

I’ll neither shout nor scream with any a breath

I’ll make a consistent love.

Or I’ll put on my headphones forever