Choices

Choices…

To Ronnie in memoriam

November 16, 2015

Before you disappeared down the scary addiction rabbit-hole,

You chose someone to take your place.

You didn’t know, nor did I,

That we did not fit into his model… that you and yours were not good enough for him.

If anything, because you knew he had been down that very same hole… without my even telling you,

You thought he’d understand, and be able to help yours, your son especially,

To navigate the darkness he would encounter,

And steer him clear.

You thought he’d help your daughter to appreciate herself,

And refuse to resort to looking for love in all the wrong places.

You thought he owed you that, at least, for all you were giving up for him.

Instead, his choices took him in a different direction,

And you were so disappointed, because by then, it was too late

The entrance to the rabbit-hole was closed, and you were forced to watch

The only available choice… one of which you did not approve,

One who took only and never gave, who required too much of us, because he thought

He deserved it. A true child of privilege, like you never were. You had heart.

You were not the only one who made bad choices… even if, especially when,

The choices were made out of love.