This crooked family tree

I stand here reflecting upon a row of trees
nearing their demise
my thoughts are infiltrated by a barrage of sobering truths
like a river transposing itself into a disease spawned swamp

This family tree is crooked:
what compels a sister to seduce
another siblings husband
just yesterday they were dividing
make-up and clothes
now they share the same lover

The tree has withered:
Amanda has fled from home once again
leaving her highly intoxicated Uncle
who has yet to take notice of her prolonged absence
stating his priorities are questionable is an
understatement

The tree has shaded to grey:
Lance searches for drug money
in Aunt Sarah's bedroom
while she seeks a replacement husband
at the corner tavern
perhaps new uncles are easier to find these days

The branches are twisted:
mommy never kissed Santa Clause
instead it was her husbands brother
under the mistletoe on Xmas eve
thinking that everyone was asleep

All the leaves have fallen
Grandmother enjoyed telling me stories
of family history
now I understand why some tales she left unspoken