For Melanie

Together is no more
When supper is simply a food mix
When voice changes are an expectation
When the broken cannot be fixed
And the time spent away becomes a sensation

Together is no more
When vacations are a dread
When the car rides are silent
When the Little League stands are dead
And the heads grow heavier

Together is no more
When the bruises get darker
When fuel comes in glass
When walking home seems harder
And everyone longs for the past

Together is no more
When the therapy is snorted
When the tree gets chopped
When the nerves are shorted
And the cycle cannot be stopped

Together is no more
When a home becomes real estate
When the composure breaks
When the lover is now a mate
And Lucifer raises the stakes

Together is no more
When the candle burns out
When hatred is the only sight
When existence is a doubt
And anger silences light

Together is no more
When unity is tossed
When fear is the only notion
When family is lost
And love is a mere distortion.