Around the Dinner Table

Gradually voices filter out as easy conversation stops.

Avoiding topics like chores and responsibilities.

As we succumb to silence around the

Longstanding dinner table

The awkwardness seeping into our bones.

Pass the pepper

Daddy mumbles.

I slide it across the table.

We watch as he twists the grinder over his pasta.

Eli lets his fork drop on to his porcelain plate with a crash,

breaking the silence.

I’m full

he mutters pushing his chair back with a screech.

I watch him as he saunters

over to the counter

siting his plate in the sink.

Five minutes at dinner and he can’t stand the tension.

Glancing across the table

I see Amandaline pushing food around her plate,

Glumly cutting up chicken.

She feels my gaze and looks up.

Says nothing.

Some days are better than others for her.

For our family, really.

I guess we should be happy she’s here,

Wearing her baseball cap to hide what isn’t there,

Instead of somewhere else altogether.