Drunken Lament

I’m an alcoholic.

I’m quitting any day.

As soon as work stress, debt and lack of meaning go away.

My friend’s a pothead. Finds herself on Dig Dug, hours and hours.

Her mom’s a nymphomaniac with no patience for cowards.

My wife’s dosage of Zoloft neared 200, last I heard.

She also takes two pain pills, for an injury she incurred.

My co-worker’s on Ambien. He sleeps the whole day through.

His old boss did cocaine and no one cared ‘cause no one knew.

My kid is hooked on screens - just try to take away his phone!

And never turn the console off when he is in the zone.

My brother thinks the world is just one giant golfing course.

My mother horseback rides so much, she’s gonna buy a horse!

My Uncle Bob has found the church. He’s now one with the Lord.

Aunt Janet’s hooked on yoga - has a belly like a board.

Half the country is obese, taking meds for indigestion;

They keep eating bad shit anyway, which I think begs the question -

Isn’t everyone addicted? My empty wine glass clinks.

If addiction’s everywhere, I think I’ll have a few more drinks.

  • I wrote this poem after a conversation with a new friend who introduced himself as an alcoholic and then offered me a beer.

Melissa Rooney

Melissa Bunin Rooney writes picture books, poetry and freelance; reviews picture books for New York Journal of Books and live performances for Triangle Theater Review; provides literary and scientific editing services for American Journal Experts, scientific researchers and students; and writes and manages grants for 501c3 nonprofit Urban Sustainability Solutions. She also provides STEM and literary workshops and residencies for schools and organizations through the Durham Arts Council’s Creative Arts in Public and Private Schools (CAPS) program.

https://www.MelissaRooneyWriting.com
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