Rubbing Alcohol Poem by Lindsay King

so you take away the pain
to make life less blinding
a few shots of vodka
followed by a long island iced tea
it didn't have a toll
when it was pawned off as
teenage angst
or college acceptance
but when you're 25
and basically unemployed
it stings deep
rubbing alcohol onto the wound
that really needs stitches
instead of this

I know I am not the victim
I got away slightly scathed
but with my pride intact
and no change to my last name
see, your new girl is the victim,
she doesn't see you
for the demon you really are
it is Halloween every day
you were a masked gentleman
until the cop pulled you over
for lack of sobriety
she still believes the best in you
as her pride is failing
and she fills out the grueling papers
to make the final change
at least tin foil can still count
as an engagement ring

so your hand is permanently glued
to a flask or a bottle
gin and tears and a life wasted
behind bars, or still on
your mother's couch
waiting for someone to call your name
I can only imagine
the thoughts that linger in your head
but even greater, I presume
are the ones being washed away