Inkling_2026_Digital - Flipbook - Page 9
a small town boy
i once knew
by Lillian P.
Content Warning: abuse
A charred black house,
so you had to move.
a lighter I told you not to use.
Black starless abyss, did it feel good to get some colour?
Dead body left, for you to leave one country to another?
Insanity is what I saw in your eyes that night.
A chance of control, to start your own life.
I ripped up the morning paper, threw it into the lake
when they called you a crazy kid,
nothing at stake.
For I knew your father hit you the night after it went down.
Your own black starless abyss, blooming, your father renowned.
On your arms, your legs,
your torso and toes,
you told me once that it seeped into your bones;
As you looked up at the night sky.
But the house still went up in 昀氀ames,
so I know you did not cry.
Lillian is the 2nd place winner
in the Poetry category for this
year’s Teen Writing Contest.
INKLING 2026 | 9
