Addiction

Loving an addict is torture.

Feeling them struggle daily;

watching their need overcome their better nature

over and over and over,

repeatedly choosing the Darkness

to try and fill their Void.

Their smile fading into memory

as the façade cracks and peels,

the foundation unsure and shifting

before it all collapses.

The lies to hide their pain,

but you can feel it in all they do

and it echoes into your life.

Walking on eggshells

yet needing to put your foot down,

tough love required and feared

to protect them from themselves

as they run into pain;

as they run from pain.

Flashes of memories

of happiness and hope,

then swamped in desperation.

And there is nothing you can do

when you are addicted to the addict.