"Memories In A Photograph"

To be reminded of a child
abused and bruising
in a bathroom,
so sad to see
in a photo -
that’s me.

Being beaten
black and blue to cry
because I ran away again,
many times to escape
the drunken dad
red his eyes.

Mad
in a trance
with devils food,
there in a memory
he blamed on the war
his friends dying sobbing.

Just like my dad today
returned home again
from rehabilitation,
his eyes so wide
crying a smile
to hug me.

My mom
standing by
with a cup of tea,
a new drink to taste
bowing down on his knees
praying for God’s forgiveness.