Christopher
Every time I see the scars on your arm,
The self-inflicted burn wounds
That resulted from a drunken night
Full of angst and hurt after your girlfriend
Broke up with you,
I wonder if you still drink the way you used to.
Every time I see the box of cigarettes
That you set by your keys on the counter
Whenever you come visit,
I think about how you are slowly killing yourself,
And how it would be a surprise if you got emphysema or lung cancer;
I always thought the alcohol would get you first.
Every time I see your child,
The bright and happy four year old who follows me around,
Who calls me his favorite aunt,
I hope that you will one day give up your vices.
If not for me, if not for the family that was left
Broken and battered
However many years ago it was that you got that DUI,
The year you were hospitalized with liver problems...
Then at least for him, because your son deserves to have a father
And it pains me to think
That you might drink yourself to death regardless.