“Crystal Clear Glass” by Mary Tetreault

CRYSTAL CLEAR GLASS

Mary Tetreault

The glass is crystal clear There is not a drop of light-brown liquid No ring of caramel color Not even a hint of alcohol’s aroma

It’s just a glass! A container for iced tea, juice or city water It doesn’t clatter on the coaster when she sets it down It comes to rest quietly without a tremor

In winter the glass becomes an insulated mug The liquid is coffee-- none of alcohol’s false heat She attends meetings and shares and sponsors And becomes known for her words and their delivery Nothing needs to be hidden when footsteps sound And there’s no black-topped bottle Furtively pouring warm mouthfuls as she closes the closet door Nothing hides on the corner support of the table There are still men who don’t deserve her She stumbles in other ways and picks herself up But the glass is crystal clear

The chosen name is hers and legal This one matches the given middle perfectly It comes free with a divorce But takes some fighting for in other ways She finds her truth, helps others, moves And moves again She learns, teaches, struggles, suffers Searches, finds worth and strength and leans on love Now the peace and safety slowly return The path is still unknown but the steps are trusting She feels the promise of golden sun and nature’s waterways She sees the crystal glass and gives thanks