An Average Family Dinner

My brother got arrested last night.

We learn at my sister’s Confirmation dinner,

her skin still tinged with Chrism.

What did she do leaves Mom’s mouth

before the cops on call report  

he beat her black and blue. 

Bickering begins ‘round our table,

trust him not her, family first

blasé but beware of burns.

Don’t blame the alcohol–

or the lack of Adderall–

or how Mom and Dad don’t talk at all

about how he chased toddlers with knives

until they cried, about how he pelted

my prepubescent skin, left ruby welts

flung me from the junglegym

taunted me with leather belt

but he’s the one that always wins.

Dad puts a hand upon my shoulder.

You’re brother’s hit rock bottom.

Well, pass the shovel, I’ll pile dirt atop him.