A picture perfect family

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