Of Guilt and Guidance

I.

It's a wonder at old age
dad still shows you
how to extinguish a fire.

When flames went off

the stove tonight

you stood frozen.

Because guilt
is a house
burning in silence.

II.

The day mom slipped

and hit her face on the floor

was the day guilt became

an elderly woman by the door

asking for attention

and a cold glass of water.