i wish i could go back
and tell you:

storm clouds do not stay, let them
roll back. let bitter sunshine

seep into your pores. absorb
false hope and whisper

your worries to the earth—
do not let her swallow

you. temptation will
tug at the hems of your pants, kiss

your ankles, tell you it’s time—
do not listen.

you say illness has cradled
your head,

you’re wrong.
rosy cheeks and flickering eyes, you

hardly see your daughter, a glimpse
of a memory tucked behind

stolen marijuana and painkillers.
you say, it’s fine, you’re fine.

you’re not.