I used to be one of you
wrapped up in the holiday excitement
time spent with family and friends
drunken holiday cheers becomes
terror and fear
Argumentation resulting
doors slamming
tears falling
Voices rising in anger
shoulders slumping in dejected humiliation
ugly words of degradation
feelings of rejection
helpless feelings
hopelessness
dysfunctional family blues
kissing cousins...sometimes more
shhhhh, don't tell
it's our little secret
feeling a part of something
abundant food and football games
bottles and cans everywhere
laughter and loud talking
dirty dishes piled high
happiness and hugs
smoke billows
moods settle
laughter quiets
emptiness again