Picture on the Wall

A smiling face adorns the walls,
in frames all shapes and sizes,
Holding trophies, hugging dad,
bringing home surprises.

A quick look round the house again,
whilst clearing up the mess,
Certificates of excellence,
no signs of any stress.

Yet here we are, police are too,
looking at the rope.
That piece of ragged, torn up towel
that's stolen all your hope.

Your smiling face, a child so proud,
watched us as we tried.
Tried to save your dying dad,
'Til that silent face then cried.

I never met you, little one,
but know one thing for sure.
We tried our hardest, tried it all,
until there was no more.

All that pride there in your eyes,
as you stand with your team.
Your face will stay there, in my mind,

play havoc in my dreams.

I'd hate to see those eyes go dim,
I'd hate to see those tears.
Just to imagine your heart break,
brings out my deepest fears.

Your smiling face adorns the walls,
despite the sight so grim.
I'm sorry we weren't good enough,
to give you back to him.

Tug of War

Cigarettes litter the hallway.

The floors filthy with the wanton abandon of morals, respect and self esteem.

Walls are stained by smoke, the floors covered in grime.

The room is filled with it all, smothered by the air of neglect.

She's there, In the midst of it all, there, her eyes open, staring.

Empty. Void of joy, of life.

Her last will and testament to the world stuck up with gum.

"You won't even know I'm gone".

The ceiling fights against gravity, the rope torn between the two.

A tug of war.

Of Life.

Of Death.