Notes About The Poem

Not my reality but written from perspective of watching my grandmother deal with my drunken grandfather 

Calm before Storm

Tiptoeing around 
the small house
He is drunk again 
Will he be foe or friend

Hard to know 
Whether to be fast or slow
Hurry get the coffee 
Or help him sleep it off
Just let it go

When he wakes up
Will he be in love
Or still pickled from drink 
Will he yell or sing

Waiting on the aftermath 
Of his drunken stabs at coping
With frustrations of
Being black in a white world 

No one understands
Why beside him I can stand
Is it because we are 
Till death do us part

Yin for yang despite
Heartache rain pain
I am calm he is storm
This is our norm
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Delegans Avatar
March 16, 2026 at 9:24 AM
Incredible poem, Karen. This is so relatable for many people. I agree with Andrea, very well expressed and full of strength, inspiration, understanding, madness and insight. Those who have been through it understand all too well.
Jones Avatar
March 17, 2026 at 3:26 PM
Thanks Christopher for your kind words!
Dietrich Avatar
March 13, 2026 at 7:53 AM
Well expressed poem about an all too common 'norm'. My step dad's mother had to put up with a husband like this. When I stayed the night there, it was like being on pins and needles knowing how that old man might be . They have both died. Makes me wonder what happens to couples like this in the next life. Hopefully she is well away from him.
Jones Avatar
March 13, 2026 at 8:09 AM
Yea it is a sad way to live. Thanks for reading Andrea!
Buehler Avatar
March 12, 2026 at 10:59 AM
I love the poem's beautiful imagery, and how hope triumphs in the end. Blessings. :)
Jones Avatar
March 12, 2026 at 6:19 PM
Thanks Evelyn
Edmonds  Avatar
March 12, 2026 at 3:14 AM
Waiting for the calm after the storm, it’s not nice for the children, for whom it’s the norm… Beryl
Jones Avatar
March 12, 2026 at 6:49 AM
No it isn’t Beryl.
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