I miss the days
When we were young
and so hopeless
and so blind
and so free.
We didn't care about the world
we never got hurt
unless we scraped a knee
and then mother would kiss it
and all would be well.
I miss the tea parties
And the watery tea
in the plastic cups
that we drank with a spoonful of creamer
and maybe some sugar.
Do you remember
when mommy told daddy
she didn't love him anymore
and daddy went far away
and mommy started drinking.
Mommy didn't talk much
after daddy left
and come to think of it
I don't think
I've had a hug from her since.
No hugs
No kisses
No praises
No love.
I miss it when everyone
was together
and happy
and didn't have a care in the world
I miss our young family.
Because this one's getting old
and sister's still in rehab
and brother's still in jail
and my depression is eating me away
and I don't know what to do.
I'd turn to you
mommy
but you're never there
you haven't been there
since daddy went away.
Why can't we have tea parties anymore?
Why can't we drink the fake tea
out of the plastic china cups?
I remember, sister,
I remember
That you took two lumps
Of sugar
In your tea.
And I remember
Brother, I remember
that you liked to have
the biggest scone
on the side with your tea.
We can go back
and sit at our table
and drink our tea
with sugar and scones
and all will be well.
Daddy will come back
and mommy will stop drinking
and everyone will smile
no more yelling, or crying, or dying,
just a tea party.
