Bitter

I recall the pitter-patter
of tiny feet in the hall.
'Daddy's home.' The kids
running to greet me.

I loved it all. The belonging.
The warmth. 30 years ago
I was a fitter man. A family
man. I recall the pitter-patter

of tiny feet. 'Cup of tea love?'
I loved it all. Have I said that already?
The warmth? The belonging?
'Daddy's home.' That was before.

Before the drink. Before he
was on the scene. How could she?
30 years ago I was a fitter man.
A husband. A father. Not a bitter man.


Tonight the bottle let me down