My father wears his family like a coat
he wears it when it's cold
he uses it only when it's needed
and at the first drop of sweat, he takes it off

When his coat is on
his fists come out
and the liquor spills over his cup
all the while I pray for warmer weather

I pray for the day my parents separate
though I know it will never come
she wants him there,
for me, for her

You see, my mother clings to her family like jewelry
wanting her family to be close
holding it whenever she can
but jewelry can't stay on forever

eventually my mother unclasps her jewelry
and my father casts off his coat
I wear them both like shackles
forever on and unable to take off