A quick note on the poem, so it’s framed right: I wrote it in the voice of a kid living it right now, from what I watched happen to the
kids around me growing up. This piece is best listened to vs read. Both options are below. Alcohol wasn’t a problem directly in my household, but it was a direct problem in my community, and I was very addicted to it. And I had to stop because I didn’t want my daughter to be raised by a monster. On November 14, 2026, I celebrated seven years alcohol-free.
Drunk Mom, Drunk Dad
Drunk mom, drunk dad, I’ll be right here.
Drinking on a holiday brought my house cheers.
Drinking on a weekend brought some tears.
Drinking on a weekday brought many fears.
Cheers, tears, fears.
Fear, tears, cheers.
Same thing every year.
Do they notice me here or just too drunk to care.
Not doing too well in school.
Grades bad.
Clothes always smelly.
So I get laughed at in class.
Come home with a bad report card feeling sad.
Mom and dad too drunk to get mad.
Cheers, tears, fears.
Fear, tears, cheers.
Same shit every year.
Do they notice me here or just too drunk to care.
Police come to my house twice a week.
Mom yell, dad swing.
Mom bleeds.
Enough is enough.
Dad go to jail.
Mom in treatment.
Trying to get out this little hell.
Praying to God that things get well.
Treatment is good.
Mom’s feeling great.
Dad come home.
They start to celebrate.
They cheer.
My fear.
My tears.
Same thing every year.
Do they notice me here or just too drunk to care.
Cheers, fears, and no more tears.
Because now I’m too drunk to care.
Yo, let’s break the generational curse.
By Contributor: IB Writes / Isadore Brown, IB Publishing & Films
SOBER POETRY at The Sober Curator is where recovery and creativity intertwine. Featuring heartfelt poems from contributors and readers, this collection captures the raw emotions, triumphs, and challenges of living alcohol-free. Each verse offers a moment of reflection, inspiration, and healing for anyone on a recovery journey—or simply seeking a deeper connection to the human experience.
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According to SAMHSA, people in recovery who receive active support from family members are twice as likely to remain sober and successfully engage with treatment plans. In fact:
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When families commit to learning about addiction, joining support groups, and actively participating in recovery, their involvement becomes transformative—not just supportive. Recovery is a collective journey, and compassionate, informed family engagement can be the foundation for lasting change.
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