The Demon Drink

The Demon Drink

In the sober light of day
I survey the carnage from the stormy night before.
Arid mouth and body craving an oasis of water.
Puffy, crusty, painful eyes unable to focus.
The devastation of almost-remembered spoken words.
The flood distress caused by dams breaking and tears gushing by.
The rubble of inappropriate actions and reactions.
The destruction of promises made and broken, desperately searching foggy memories
for a clue as to whom they were given so freely.
The volcanic assault on loved ones by the hot, flowing lava of anger.
I survey the carnage from the stormy night before,
in the sober light of day.

7/28/00
Nancy Arnold

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