A row of empty glasses
along the bar,
you hand the bartender
the keys of your car.
He pours you a last
drink for the road,
you nod thanks in
an unspoken code.
Not for the first time
you are the last to leave,
you struggle with the door
and give it a heave.
Outside the street is quiet
and the moon is bright.
An empty house is all
that’s waiting for you,
so. there’s time
for another life review.
The voice is back to tell you
about the mess you are,
your failings as a man and father
are on your body like a scar.
Through gritted teeth
and furrowed brow
you answer back,
you already know.
Unable to work
like you once did,
left on your own
without a wife and kid.
They left after
they could take no more,
when you spent all the money
in the liquor store.
Now you tell yourself
you drink to forget.
then why do you search
for them on the internet?
They won’t be back
and you must face the fact,
the alcohol now
only serves to distract.

This gave me goosepimples!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I can feel the pain…
LikeLiked by 1 person
How sad! There are too many for whom this scenario is true. It’s sobering, isn’t it?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Poignant 😥 😥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, I noticed your poetry and reblogged it. I hope that’s fine.
All still links back to your site.
“you drink to forget.
then why do you search
for them on the internet?”
I’m 51 and so much of what you write “makes sense” to me. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s no problem, thanks a lot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Been there. I’d rather have my male member removed by a rusty medieval device than return to that place
LikeLiked by 1 person