Due Diligence

Due Diligence

Nights during my childhood, I was on duty.

Muscles tense, I memorized the exact

Position of my ankles, wrists, the hair

Limp across my neck, certain that the

Precision of my pose would shield

Me, my parents, my brothers and sisters

From catastrophe.  Each breath was

Allowed a measure of freedom to escape

But only to return with intelligence

Of the invisible kitchen, stairwell,

Basement.  I analyzed every nuance

Of scent, scrutinizing particles of air

For telltale whiffs of smoke, wondering

If it was time to get up and check.

Because I was reassured by the same

Vigilance that kept me awake and

Petrified, I was engaged in an ever-looping

Dialogue that had no off ramp.  Is there a fire

In the house,  quietly overtaking my family

Or can I relax now and fall asleep?

June 8, 2011