what it is

her kids live in a foster home
she gets to visit twice a week
if the counselor
is available
to supervise

then there's the classes
on how to parent
and clean house
and pay bills
where they set expectations
to make it easier counting mistakes
later on

and the probation officer
who gets to make her piss in cups
and explain herself
every week
about where she works
and if she works
and where she lives
and who she fucks

before sending her along
to the anger management group,
or the aftercare support group
or the independent living group
or the don't shoot crack no matter what group
depending on what night it is

and the funny thing is
that when she talks
about what's really on her mind
it's not any of this

instead
it's how weak she feels
and how hard she tries
to no avail
going even one day
without drinking
or doing dope
or leaving town
with the next dumbass
who acts the least bit
like he wants
what's in her pants