about how my dad pretty much
broke up her marriage. Yeah,
the drug scene didn’t help, but
how do you just waltz right in and …
Oh. My. God. Not only did Dad
waltz right in and break up a marriage,
but Mom waltzed away with him, broke
up a best friendship. I am my mother.
And that is something I just can’t be.
I WAIT IN THE CAR
While Dad pays the bill, sunk
very low in the not-plush seat,
digesting. Not food. Information.
Revelation.
Dad sways a bit. Kortni props
him, but she’s not in great shape
herself. They look like cartoon drunks.
Caricatures.
Neither of them should take the wheel.
But even if I knew how to drive,
Dad would not admit inebriation.
Impairment.
No one speaks as he starts the car,
backs up, barely missing the truck
behind him. In my belly, knots of worry.
Apprehension.
The knots clench as we weave toward
the on-ramp. Not far, the windows
swirl with red and blue lights.
Spotlights.