Employed; paychecks came bi-weekly
The fridge was full and the toilet paper never ran out
You bought me toys when I was good
Money; we had it once, I remember

There was no shouting or slamming doors
No empty threats of abandonment
Days passed when no one cried
Love; we had it once, I remember

You brushed my hair and tucked me in to sleep
Took care of me when I was sick
I told you everything I had to say
A mother; we had one once, I remember

There was church, every week
God was God and nothing else
There were no doubts, only belief
Faith; we had it once, I remember

There are worry lines on my forehead now
Bags under my eyes from sleepless nights
Was I pretty once, or did I imagine it?
Beauty; we had it once, I remember

Impossible, you whisper in my ear
It was never so.