We sit in church basements on
folding chairs drinking bad coffee
with shaking bones and shame in our eyes.
I'm Joe and I'm an alcoholic. Hi, Joe!
Christmas eve. Presents wrapped under
the tree. A fire in the hearth. Kids are all
smiles and best behavior. We toast the
scene again and again until it clicks in me.
I'm a terrible monster full of rage and
I'll never know why. I roar and throw
all the presents in the fire with my life.
I will only be us as me and a bottle.