Manners by Susannah Eisner

He looks at me sideways Jaw clenched Smirk in the corner of his eye what have i done? Head blood-drumming Face hot flushed i meet his glare "Elbows," he growls i bring my wrists demurely to rest Against the wood before my plate Glance to be sure the napkin's where it goes Swallow one last bite Throat cinched with fettered rage the damage i have done i stare with sudden interest At familiar wood beneath my hands White refrigerator chattering Old dog wagging sadly beyond the door Such staring keeps the tears at bay i won't grant him those i don't look at the children Though i feel them watching Growing as goldfish grow to fit The confines of their world

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