The Stranger

I sent you milk thistle in the mail

Hoping to heal your damaged liver
Made you cd's of music I love
Photos of your grandchildren
My handwritten poems
I read Bukowski & think of you
The women
The racetrack
The drugs
The booze
Always with a cigarette
And an excuse
"How long are you staying this time dad?"
You have become
Sentimental with age
Remembering my birthday
Sometimes
Calling once a month or
Less
It's always like talking to a stranger...

Amber C. Smith