"A Daughter's Lament"

This poem captures the profound sadness, feelings of betrayal, and longing for a mother’s love that the daughter experiences amidst the pain of her mother’s choices.

A Daughter's Lament

In the shadows of a broken home,
Where laughter faded, and silence roamed,
I watched you choose the drink over me,
A mother’s love lost, a heart’s debris.

You held the bottle like it was gold,
While my brother suffered, so young, so bold.
I cried for help, but you turned away,
Chasing your demons, night after day.

Your promises faded like whispers in air,
You chose the high over our desperate prayer.
With every sip, you pushed us aside,
While I held my breath, my heart open wide.

You’d stumble in, with tears in your eyes,
But I’d seen the truth behind all the lies.
You’d say, “I’m sorry,” but the words felt weak,
Your empty vows, the love you’d never speak.

Now cancer grips you, the tables have turned,
But the lessons of pain are lessons I’ve learned.
I want to forgive, I want to believe,
But how can I trust when you chose to deceive?

You gave up your children for alcohol’s kiss,
And in your absence, I mourn what I miss.
A mother’s warmth, a guiding hand,
Replaced by the bottle, a life unplanned.

I remember the nights when you’d leave me alone,
A child in the dark, afraid of the tone
Of your slurred voice, your reckless refrain,
While I swallowed my fears and buried my pain.

Now I stand here, a stranger to you,
With walls built up, what else can I do?
Your love feels distant, like stars in the sky,
And I search for a reason to even try.

I wish for the days when you held me tight,
When you sang me to sleep, made everything right.
But those memories fade, like ghosts in the night,
And I’m left here wondering if I’ll be alright.

You’re fighting your battle, but what about mine?
I’m lost in the echoes, lost in the time.
I want to reach out, to mend what is torn,
But the hurt runs so deep, my spirit feels worn.

So here in the silence, I grieve and I ache,
For the mother I lost, for the bonds we can’t make.
And as you fight demons that brought you to this,
I search for the love that I long for-"your kiss.

Reviews

[Samuel Dickens]

You just hit me with a brick, for this story is so much like my own. All your thoughts are familiar and your pain, felt. Perhaps, in time, you'll feel better toward her. That's how it has been for me. We humans have flaws, we do what feels right, often not aware of how we're messing up. Your writing is outstanding.

[Nessa]

Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt response. It deeply touches me to know that my story resonated with you on such a personal level. Your acknowledgment of our shared experiences and the complexities of human relationships means more than I can express. I truly believe that understanding our flaws is a journey, and hearing that you've found a path toward healing gives me hope. Your kind words about my writing inspire me to keep sharing these vulnerable moments. Thank you for being open and for your encouragement; it means the world to me.

[Erika]

Wow, Elnnes.. This is such a deep and powerful poem. Loving someone with an addiction and watching them choose the alcohol over you, over, and over again is one of the most heart-wrenching pains. I hope you're doing okay. Take care.