2 A.M. Poem by James Casey

2 A.M.

It's 2: 00 a.m.on a sultry summer night
I open the freezer for a shot of liquid ice
It caresses my throat, but will make all right
It's a devil's kiss against the doctors advice

It's a steam bath here, even the dog is sweating
He pants and lolls through half open eyes
His tongue lays out, too tired for barking
I think he may not move until after sunrise

When I lean into the freezer sweat rolls from my brow
Then slowly drips into the frozen glacier below
I can almost hear the drops sizzle as they land
What this place needs is an increase in airflow

It's so humid my watch face has steamed up
I know the moisture inside will ruin this one too
Drenched and beaten I dropp my clammy clothing
Item by item, slinking upstairs in hopes to renew

Alas, though, I find my bed has no new in it
It's also as hot in this room as it was below
They'll be no sleep, just stupor, again tonight
This heat will linger once more thru tomorrow

At five the alarm jars me from my torpor
Now I get to face the day again, as before
Hung over with a headache of my own making
But in order to drink, I must get out that door

I work all day dying in this sweltering heat
To have the money for the liquor I consume
The doctors tell me that I am killing myself
Don't they see, with me, it's all gloom and doom

Jim 1961