David and Goliath

They stood, the David and Goliath of the house.
David’s nerves as sharp as arrowheads, his body
a quiver. Goliath, swaying stupefied at opposition.

Lines drawn, the atmosphere cut and time
the silent referee. One bellowed and roared.
One shook and cried,
resolute to the point of a knife.

I could not survive, but dying would destroy
your life. Ignoble warrior, father, friend.
Unfeeling and untold. Felled by bitter, liquid gold.

That night our innocence died.
The sister watched, the mother cried
and I, a child, stood still. And you my Goliath,
with your anger and rage, denied