They look flawless

a picture perfect family 

that everyone yearns to become

but those painted smiles 

and glossed over eyes 

don't reflect what is underneath 

for that is an ugly sight to see

The mother 

never refusing to give out smiles 

on a joyous Sunday 

cheering up all who walks by

with a “beautiful day isn't it?”

always worrying about others 

but never her own

The Father 

talking about the big game 

about how his team finally has a chance 

even though that is always said

what a happy sweet guy during the day

but a stranger at night 

The siblings 

playfully arguing about who is better 

competing with respect 

where they continue to express love 

and friendship

seems like nothing can separate them 

but something always does 

they head home

curtains closed 

away from the audience 

where their performance must come to an end 

and truth becomes reality 

The mother

focusing only on her work 

rather than what her work is for 

to the dreadful point 

where her children 

must face the decision of leaving

To go to the Father 

who destroys his lungs 

to the point of pure destruction 

and wrecks his liver

bringing out the kind of person 

nobody wants to be friends with 

And the siblings 

isolating themselves 

like prisoners in confinement 

dreaming of the day 

that picture perfect family 

becomes a truth 

they can hold on to 

Because if that's not the case 

they will drift away 

like a boat 

caught forever in the current