Her Son

I could show up to work 

With the smell of alcohol 

in my breath 

Not compromising my work

But I will lose myself 

I will weary my wife and children 

With the little that I bring to the table 

The little that I try to borrow and promise to return 

But I can’t 

I may drink and chew it away 

It has been one year since my mother passed

My wife balanced work and thankless caregiving 

But I am orphaned today 

I was a child once 

Hers 

But not anymore 

My children look to me 

But I can’t be what they need

I am still a son 

without a mother