The Trade Off

The drugs have taken over
She said
As she downs another beer
Now it’s just a matter of time
Before she gets the “fear”
Another night
Of hearing her cry
Another night of holding back her hair
I wonder why she doesn’t
Know when to stop
I wonder if
She even cares

She grabs her purse
And says her goodbyes
Then stumbles as she grabs my arm
I shake a few hands
Give a few smiles
And show no cause for alarm
We make it home
And I’m surprised
She survived the drive
After all
Her chemical consumption
I’m surprised she’s still alive

Another night
Of the same routine
Another night
Of cleaning up her mess
Another night
Of bloodshot eyes and runny noses
I’m too good for her
She’ll always confess
As she sleeps on the sofa
Trashcan by her side
I wonder why I don’t get mad
I guess
After all is said and done
You can’t take the good without the bad