A GIFT FOR MOMMA

Alcohol abuse and dependence upon alcohol can be so devastating, not only to the alcoholic but to those in his/her life. I have heard enough times of adults speaking about an alcoholic parent as they were growing up, and how this affected them. When the child is a seven year old, it is a situation particularly wrought with such confusion. One cannot expect a child of first-grade age to understand so much about what they are seeing and hearing regarding their alcoholic parent. And yet, on a certain level, a seven year old, despite all the confused thoughts, might perceive and be sensitive to more than an alcoholic parent might think.

This particular poem is about one such ficticious first-grade boy who probably exists in far too many cities throughout the world. This parent IS aware of her son's perceptions. It's just that she seems currently unable to change.

As is the case with so much of my poetry, a special ending awaits, though not always a surprise ending ala Guy de Maupassant and O. Henry. There is no surprise ending here, but it is very poignant and it is piercing, particularly since the poem has been written through the eyes and words of the youngster.