(November 24, 2018)
to see an old pal
dry and now drunk…heartbreaking
and I was unkind
*(And now I pray that momentary shun leaves a small drop of worm in my pal Mike’s existence. He dried up for a long time – even attended meetings I think. And when I saw him just a few weeks ago, bellybulging with beer, one in his hand slopping out its pull-hole, and breathing enough to knock me over I knew he was nowhere near bottom now, and any attention I paid would mean approval to him. I hope and pray he sees himself again. There are a few I know who struggle daily with what the rest of the world calls addiction. I have a few of my own, but they only attack now in just-before waking dreams…and the call of that tobacco from a fine cigar is just an argument I keep around when much else is a yes these days.)
