Understandings

my childhood melted away
in the sun
in the dramatic heat
and fire
of shouting matches
in living rooms
and hallways
and slammed doors
and burned journals
where the cursed thoughts
of a 15 year old boy
were far too wretched to be noticed

someone forgot to mention
that the people we love the most
don't understand
and are completely
devastated by our pain

how could they understand?
they are buried in their own skin
awaiting their own days and nights
where the people they love
will fully understand their pain

now
that i've dodged the flame
i am here
for freedom's sake
to humbly bow
before the only one
who understands
pain