It used to be you
Who'd initiate kisses.

But now it's just me,
Desperately trying
To regain your
Affection.

I destroy homes.
I tear families apart,
I’ll take your children and that is just the start.
If you need me I’m easily found
I’m all around you in every city and every town.
I live with the rich, I live with the poor.
I live down the street, even next door.
My power is awesome, try me,
you'll see;
but if you do, you may never
break free.
Just try me once and I might let
you go.
But if you try me twice,
then i'll own your soul.

In the finer lines of my Mother's eyes
where backroads lead to secret tears
much is spoken when one explores
the map that etches those many years

expressed in smiles and subtle stares
when the world is harsh and cruel
calm washes through your tested soul
that stings of ridicule

in the finer lines of my Mother's eyes
life's riches are retained
and the wells that feed her loving child
through those eyes are sustained

and should this night find you alone
staring into the abyss
shivering in the chill of hopelessness
fire the candle
dip the quill
and speak to me
for i await your solitary tear
your desperate moment
giving rise to the beauty that cries
deep within the soul
of the poet