Drink

by Robert Reese, 2002

Tonight will be a six-pack night,
Maybe some Jose too, or Jack.
I'd drink some wine, but don't like glasses -
Who has time for pouring?

I remember when you wrecked my car,
That time you tried to burn down my apartment,
And you disconnected my phone
After I gave the pretty girl my number.
I bore it all, but this is too much.
You've gone too far.

I grab a beer and chug.
Its gone so quick I missed the taste.
The second goes more slowly.

In the mirror I
See a shadow of our former dreams.
That beautiful picture of us together
Is now just me with four day stubble growth
And tear stained cheeks.

Beers are good, but I'm getting full.
I grab the tequila and spike the brew.
Beers 3 through 6 go quick and strong.

Go have your fun.
I'm happy here watching Top Gun, drinking my beer
With Goose and Mav.
Who cares if Goose is dead and Maverick isn't real?

Beer 7's just a glass of whiskey.
Straight.
Like Grandpa used to drink it.

We never finished that game of checkers.
I think he died because I was winning.

A swig of whiskey
Some beer to wash it down
Gargle mouth wash
A little tequila too
More mouth wash

Sleep.

Burning rays of morning sun
Hurl my pain back at me,
Shattering my peaceful bliss.
Why so early?

Some breakfast ought to chase away the
Gloom: some bacon, eggs, and
Vodka to help me through the
Long, dry wait until tonight.