My Stepfather

Snuck into my sisters’ rooms, held
their bodies down in the dark.
Clamped a hand over their
tiny pink mouths.

Whispered threats
of cigarette burns
and a fist. Crept away
with no trace of blood.

Twisted mother’s heart with lies,
stroked her fears with his coiled tongue.
Claimed the victim. Heard
the voice of devils.

Moved like a snake. Spoke slant.
Kept everyone spellbound
with his unblinking
yellow eye.