Richard Picciuto began observing human behavior as a child. It is obvious in this autobiographical verse that takes place during a period of childhood convalescence…

German Measles

He has German measles and must stay in a dark room
with lights out and shades drawn. Quiet, everything
was quiet, listening to murmurs and hushed words.
Secrets, all type of family secrets, some dark and deep.
Learning about parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins,
grandparents and extended family, listening to whispers,
reading the non verbal signals of both eyes and body,
wondering about family member’s secrets and
indiscretions, and their effects upon others.

Many decades later I continue pondering family as well as
the tradition of secrets that passes on and carries
from one generation to the next.