Before yesterday

When I returned to the halfway house, there was one client who remembered me and welcomed me back.  Like everyone there, he is regularly screened for drugs.  Like everyone there, the behavior goes beyond particular drug use.  Like everyone there, he is in the process of learning new behavior.  Like everyone there, he understands a part of what recovery is about.  Before yesterday, I could say that I cared.  Yesterday, I didn*t.  Today, I do.  

Before yesterday

I could say that I cared.

He was the one who was glad

To see me

Four weeks

After the seizure

When I returned.

There you are

He said

There you are,

I*ve wondered where you were.

I knew I*d been noticed.

Before yesterday

I could say that I cared.

Yesterday he talked about

Dealing with four women

Including the mother of his child.

I listened to the guys

As they tried to show him

Up one side and down

The other

How he was still using,

Even though drugs were not

In the picture.

Using and dealing

Women.

Before yesterday

I could say that I cared.

Yesterday I realized I*d been

Used and dealt.

Today I care.