Violence

I am familiar
With violence,
Rage I can
Recognize
And avoid
Whether from
Drunkenness
Cruelty or
Bloodsport.
I endured it
As a child,
Saw it as a
Teenager,
Guarded
Against the
Allure of
Succumbing
To it,
Avoided it
As a parent
If at all
Possible,
I learned
To step out
Of the way
And talk my
Way free by
Humor and
Diversion.
But I see it
In some
Just below
The surface
Waiting for
Any excuse
To flare,
Best to stay
Away from
Violence
Or it will
Devour
You
Time after time.
Do not let it,
Do not fret,
Part company,
Flee to a
Safe
Place.