From Afar

I saw him coming

The Prodigal from afar

The gait recognizable

His face kissed by the sun

So good looking

When he’s stable

When he’s working the program

When he’s sober

He showed up

For a charitable event

To see his niece

And say hi to us

The reason isn’t important

My Mama’s heart swoons

To see her son

Whole and smiling

I compartmentalize

When he’s not around

Pinch off arteries

To those places of uncertainty and doubt

The destination of “what if”

My spirits rise for today

The joy of just seeing him

To give him a hug

And hear his voice

He stays for a while

Longer than normal

I leave before him

Tears in my eyes

Godspeed my Son

Take care

Be good

Stay sober