green beans sliding down the wall

homework floating in the tub

and you, Dad

with your feet in the car

upside down

your face in the grass

dome light on for all the world to see

the glitter of the can in your hand

the can on the lawn

under the seat I see

one can, two cans, three…

my Mother

and Me

as we drag you in

night after night

and you smile in your sleep

and you snore

and you never remember, Dad.

…you never remember.

I hate green beans.