The Only Way Is Up

Childhood.

Toys, candy, energy, laughter,

It filled me until I was too full.

I was flowing over my waistband with candy.

But, that’s no problem, everything is still perfect, right?

Family is together: mom, dad, and brother.

Nope.

They lied, daddy is killing himself,

He drinks the killer juice, we have to leave, mommy said.

Even as we left the cold and went south to the heat, leaving daddy behind,

I told myself she was lying, I had to pretend it was a different kind of perfect.

Preteen.

Friends, technology, food, depression,

Too much of two.

Daddy is perfect, no matter how much he hurts me, right?

Wrong.

He was hurting himself and that hurt me.

Do what is best for yourself, move forward until he is ready.

It’s not perfect anymore, but that’s okay.

Teenager.

Exercise, friends, relationships, work,

There is never a moment to rest.

Keep moving forward, keep doing what is best for you.

No matter what anyone says or how daddy hides in that corner,

Keep him in that corner and don't let him move till he’s ready.

Just keep moving forward.