now I’ve done it
snapping at my son
as he threw a wrench
at the television
my wife gave me
the look
then took him for a bath
and put him to bed early
I was in bed
when she emerged
from his room
it was close to midnight
and I had already slept
an hour or so
she did her best
to remain quiet
as she undressed
and slipped beneath
the covers
but I could see
the sporadic light
of her cell phone
as she moved
and when she got in
she faced away
so did I
it was another night
I had failed
to live up to my title
of father
I used to think
perfection
was solely the demand
of my own cruel father
as he’d poke me
and throw me
and push me
and punch me
but I’ve learned
otherwise
best to let
the television shatter
than pick up the pieces
of a broken family
Nathaniel Sverlow is a freelance writer of poetry and prose. He currently resides in the Sacramento area with three cats, one incredibly supportive wife, and a rambunctious son. His previous publishing credits include Typehouse Literary Magazine, Black Fox Literary Magazine, The Fiction Pool, Squawk Back, and Bone Parade. He has written two poetry books: The Blue Flame of My Beating Heart (2020) and Heaven is a Bar with Patio Seating (2021).