the dark shadow

your
step father,
who you hate adding
the word
father when
in speaking
in reference
to him, was often
called Himmler
or Hitler
when growing
up.
if you stayed
too long
in the shower,
the hot
water was turned
off.
if you forgot
to set the trash
out by
curb,
the bags would
be opened
and poured
onto your bed.
leave a light
on and the bulb
would be broken
with a broom handle
for you to step
on in your bare feet.
he gave
away your dog,
charged you rent
at the age
of thirteen,
and threated your
mother to send
her and her seven
children back
to the ghetto
from where you
came.
so when you see
him now,
staggering about,
alone, estranged
from everyone he's
ever known,
red faced
and sick, it's
easy to just walk
by and not say
hello.