Drinking in the Living Room
Late in the Day

William L. Alton

My mother comes home from work
and it doesn’t mean much
because I’m drunk and she’s pissed
and throws a bucket of water right
in my face. It was hot but not boiling hot.
I felt the skin around my self go tight and red.
I worry for a second about going blind
but the water washes away
and I can count the tears on her cheeks.