Unbrotherly Conduct

Milken Community Schools Literary Magazine

Our Safe Place

There was nothing to fear when we were together

She would beckon

and I would follow,

that was all there was to it.

We would explore

the woods and caves

by hear house together

no one but us.

The silence was intense there

no singing birds or chattering squirrels

no soft sifting from grazing deer.

There was something

about the place that kept

all of the creatures away.

As we walked

we came upon our safe place,

a vast damp cave where we could explore our innocence

away from prying eyes

and corrupt hearts.

No one would disturb us here

we made sure of that.

Everything is Fine

Everything is fine

There’s nothing to worry about

You left him, he didn’t leave you

He was a distraction

He kept you from your studies

He pulled you away from your friends

And what did he do for you?

He just sat there

He wouldn’t talk, he would just smile

Everything is fine

Never have you been more wrong

You miss his quiet smiles

You miss the attention he gave you

You miss the much-needed breaks from work

You miss the feeling you get when he says “I love you”

But you never said “I love you” back

You don’t think he knows

You want him to know

Everything is fine

There’s nothing to worry about

He left you, but you still want him.