I advoided this for so many years, alway's afraid that you
might see.  But I sit here today suddenly realizing this is
something I must do for me.
  These feelings I have kept unwritten, never wanting to
cause you pain.  But as long as you continue drinking
yourself to death I can no longer carry this strain.
  You choose to hide behind the alcohol, allowing it to fill
any empty hole.  This may have helped you but I have to say,
to your family it's taken it's toll.
  If you think by hiding it we will not see, let me reassure
you that's simply untrue.  Fear and suffering bleeds from
your eyes and it's killing me because I love you.
  Since we were little we've begged you to stop and I
remember at times you've tried.  But unless you do it, none
of that counts because I need you by my side.
  I can never be angry and I know it's hard, but please just
don't give in.  If you give up, even with our help, alcohol
will win.
  You are such a great person, you've alway's been, your
just losing the fight against the disease.  It's not to late
and I am offering my help, so take it daddy, please!

*** I started writing poetry at 15 years old to relieve the
anger that built up from living with an alcoholic.  It has
helped me realize many things. Most importantly I learned to
accept that alcoholism is a DISEASE and although it saddens
me, I have learned to forgive. I hope this will help other's
through the pain this disease causes the alcoholic and their
families. Noone should be alone.