Every person I’ve mentioned
has my permission to tell you off
for your poor behavior,
bad judgment, and bloody attitude.
We’ll take turns one by one.
We’ll come down on you
all at once like a ton of bricks.
I’ll get your dad involved if I have to.
I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you.
Every one of us is invested in you.
In your future and your safety.”
A tear falls from Mum’s right eye,
followed by more from both eyes.
The pressure of parenting me is too much for her.
I wanna cry as well, but I don’t.
I wanna wipe Mum’s tears away, but I don’t.
I feel myself shaking with anger
at Mum’s threat to involve my dad.
What has he ever invested in me?
If all the people who care for me
were bricks with which to build
a home, my dadcould only be
the space for a door or a window.
“Can you at least let me tell you
what actually happened?” I plead.
“Because the school’s got it twisted!”
“Malachi!” Mum commands
with tear-streaked fury.
“I listened to your version of events
when you strolled out of school
