The picture hanging on the wall
The frame a little slanted
Huge smiles from ear to ear
They all look so happy
Could’ve fooled me
Mum in the centre
Surrounded by her kids
Her world around her
But she’s not there
You can see it in her eyes
The thoughts that haunt her
Screaming in her ear
She keeps it all together
Tries to fake along
But we can all see
The frames a little slanted
Sons hand on her shoulder
Looks strong and supportive
Little do they know
It’s just a threat
The hand of “justice”
One he’s used before
On his younger sister
Even used it to grab a knife
He’s no longer around anymore
So we can all see
The frames a little slanted
Nans in the corner
Keeping to herself
A soft and gentle smile
Good job it’s just a picture
So you can’t smell the alcohol
It’s on her breathe
Soaked into her clothes
Like the poisonous words she says
The smile slightly slanted
Like the frame on the wall
Dad was in that picture
Keeping us all together
The strong dependable male
Now he’s in another picture
Just like this one
Another picture perfect family
Although that’s not with us
He left before the next photo
Without a goodbye
So we can all see
The frames a little slanted
Then there’s me
The one without a smile
I’m staring at the camera
Eyes full of hope
Cause I know as soon as the flash goes off so does this fake happiness
I wish we could just stay right here
In this moment of silence
All together
No arguments or fights
No abusive words or violence
No threats or fear
No slanted frame on the wall
Just a picture perfect family