by Amanda Johnston

A friend says online shopping is great!
You come home and there are packages
waiting for you like little gifts.
You should do it.
You deserve it.
It’s so much fun!

My daughter is afraid to open the door.
I check the front yard for tripwire, mumble
a little prayer– take me, take me.

Poem copyright 2022 by Amanda Johnston. All rights reserved.

See more poems from Amanda Johnston debuted on The Fight & The Fiddle: “It Begins,”  “untitled,” and “How Do I Explain”

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Read more in this issue: Interview | Critical Essay | Writing Prompt