Abuse
by Sheryl L. Nelms
is to wake
up at 1:30 to
your drunk
husband
grabbing your
head in his
hands
to feel your head
knocking the
plastered
wall
just because
that is
abuse
Alcoholic Marriage
by Sheryl L. Nelms
I said, "I do"
to midnights
full of worry
about your drunk driving
to morning
bus rides back to
work without
a wrinkle
In your
sheets
vomit
lumped beside
the kitchen
trash can
Like some gag shop
Sunday surprise
to black feelings
stirred deep into
breakfast coffee
sipped alone
at the Old South
Pancake House
while your shadow
sleeps off Saturday
on the divan
at home
Sack Man
by Sheryl L. Nelms
he slumps
against the brick wall
like a rumpled
Goodwill pile
clutching tight to
his brown bag
of liberation
Ode to a Bag Lady
by Sheryl L. Nelms
Think of me
whenever you
empty a can
of Diet Coke
read Newsweek
or wipe with toilet paper
think of me
pawing the dank depths
of Safeway’s dumpster
for wilted lettuce
stale rolls
and molded cheese
I am the
grey bundle
trundling it all
along Miracle Mile
In a Kroger cart
looking for a
safe place
to curl
the night
while you
In your creamy satin
negligee are
home
fluffing
your
down pillows