Walked into Peter F’s <br />office <br />sat <br />then said, <br />“Another rejection.” <br />He swung his feet <br />on the large metal <br />desk <br />saying, <br />“Bernstein, <br />wasted your <br />life <br />at the Board of Ed— <br />36 years <br />shoulda gone to Viet Nam <br />put out the Great Novel <br />famous <br />money <br />Hollywood.” <br />In my defense I said, <br />“Father hated me <br />mother crippled me.” <br />A look <br />shot across his face <br />awe <br />sadness <br />couldn’t be sure <br />“And if not an author <br />you coulda been <br />the greatest shrink <br />ever.” <br />Once more the stare <br />then <br />“Father beat me <br />no mercy in the man <br />and mother <br />turning away <br />like <br />the purple bruises <br />were painted on.”<br /><br />Charles Chaim Wax<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/crackling-in-the-flames/
