You Didn't Have To

You didn't have to 

shoot heroin.

You said you never would do that.

Was it worth it?

I know you said you felt

happy afterward.

That it was the only thing that

took away your pain.

Your husband was right to come

get you from the sleazy pad

you were sharing with your

drug addled boyfriend.

You didn't have to sleep around.

Have sex with two guys in an alley down town.

No, you didn't have to

make that toxic choice.

Rough sex.

Enough sex

to last two life times.

No, you didn't have to do those things.

But I'm glad you survived.

And I'm wondering how you avoided addiction.

You are such a contradiction,

dear child,

You take communion now

by the rushing stream under the bridge.

You have redeemed yourself by telling your story.

It's ok.

Everyone makes mistakes.