1. A Father's Reflections: On the Inside

jesus she dumped it rite in a snowbank.
if only shed waited til tomorrow
I couldve made it to the bar ah hell
they wouldve toll me to get my ass home.

I wished to god I had a drink rite now
I wished to god theyd let me out qwick
cant her daddy cair for the little welp
sweet josie how I'd kill for just one drink.

2. Grandfather Draws a Line

When midnight hiccups were my bourbon spoils,
and remorse, and nightmares, and heartburn too,
the longest day was the coldest mockery.
Always all was black. Doors were always black.

But you my son, my sun, my homespun medallion,
you were the teeth in a boy's happy mouth,
you were the chance in a beguiling eye.
Distance surrounded you, huge, brilliant, sad.

3. A Mother's Reflections: The Dance

That night you brought her home I could have burst.
Her lemon partydress, her shining nails—
the new bright moon above her bright young mouth—
your white dinnerjacket, that boutanniere.