Catching On Fire

©2002 Andrew Calhoun, recorded on Tiger Tattoo

Long Branch, New Jersey
1963
I'm heating milk for hot cocoa
For my sister and me

Fire on my shirtsleeve
Flames on my belly
Never before had
Such shrieking come from me

Leaping down three flights
Slapping the flames out
Never before had
Dad hit me like that

A tube of burn ointment
Our friend Robby was there too
His eyes looking on me
Were never so blue