Clean ——- Pauly walked toward Me holding his coffee I’d known him for 20 Years since his release From prison ,the old tattoos Now covered over with New colourful ones ,& Being 60 hadn’t softened His stringy muscular frame . The once handsome face Showing the signs of 12 Rehabs & 30 years of abuse His smile still seemed foreign For a man who’d carried a shield of anger around for so long. I’d known his wife ,she survived Serving coffee at my local Seemed nice but think they Shared the same penchant He says I’m clean now mate 17 years I’m glad ,he’s intelligent Kinda philosophical Says he can look back now Understand what caused The crash Thought sleeping in cars At taverns was the norm States.. hate my father But I’m so much like The old ****** .and I’ve Been going to the Buddhist Temple Learning to meditate no good tho keep Nodding off and snoring Need a nudge haven’t been to the 12 step for a while either So gotta get out and meet People His coffee now gone We shake hands He walks away Smiling peacefully