Helplessness

You think it is hard
watching friends make bad choices,
dating the wrong guys,
struggling?

You have never seen your mother choosing to do nothing,
watching her fade away,
choosing to not get up at all,
not saying ‘good morning’ if she does.

You have never seen your dad being there for her
without her seeing it nor caring.
Living in the same house with her
without her actually living her life.

You have never talked to the empty shell of her,
politely listening to you
without engaging into a conversation,
thanking you for your call,
without warmth in her voice for her daughters.

You have never, hopefully.
I hope you never will.