The Leaning Tower

Drowns himself in liquor –

numbs the pain quicker

(makes his skin thicker,

the soul sicker, bitter).

Eyes glazed by a foggy haze of

confusion, abusin’,

fusin’ reality with illusion.

Staggerin’ ‘round the house accusin’

me of dentin’ the car when he’s the one boozin’.

Losin’

a piece of himself each day.

Usin’

lies to cover lies to cover truth;

how uncouth!

Spits words of spite that spur the fight

‘tween my feelings of what is wrong and what is right.

Expects me to answer him respectfully,

to handle this situation gracefully –

as if he owns an ounce of dignity,

integrity,

love from me.

Hypocrisy.

Raises his hand as he reprimands.

I grasp the man but

I take a stand.

Oh no,

he shall not push me down.

For heavy is his head when he is hit with the crown.