In this photograph, I am four years old
Part of a dynamic trio of my sister, my mom, and I
Our tanned hair hangs on our shoulders like curly fries
And our eyes squint from our plump cheeks and gapping smiles

I wonder if I knew that my birthday marked an anniversary
A traditional time when my grandmother was alcohol and smoke free
Flashback thirty-two years and you see my mother
And my grandmother sitting on dull brick stairs

My mother looking innocent as she gazes up to her role model
You cross your legs, I cross mine
Little did she know that her mother was hurting
Fighting back her battle of vodka and nicotine