Lifelines

I drink hope, like waste
Chugged childhood vomit through sips
Swallowed down chaste

My mother loved me in haste
Through belt buckles and spit
I drink hope, like waste

My brother sees me now, disgraced
I begged him, never asked for it
Swallowed down chaste

My son spoke to me once, with grace
Words climbed out of his mouth from a crypt
I drink hope, like waste

I have yet to see my father’s face
Asleep between soil and shit, legs split
Swallowed down chaste

My lover was a lonely space
She slid down my walls of liquor and grit
I drink hope, like waste
Swallowed down chaste

-Bex