so you take away the pain <br />to make life less blinding <br />a few shots of vodka <br />followed by a long island iced tea <br />it didn't have a toll <br />when it was pawned off as <br />teenage angst <br />or college acceptance <br />but when you're 25 <br />and basically unemployed <br />it stings deep <br />rubbing alcohol onto the wound <br />that really needs stitches <br />instead of this <br /> <br />I know I am not the victim <br />I got away slightly scathed <br />but with my pride intact <br />and no change to my last name <br />see, your new girl is the victim, <br />she doesn't see you <br />for the demon you really are <br />it is Halloween every day <br />you were a masked gentleman <br />until the cop pulled you over <br />for lack of sobriety <br />she still believes the best in you <br />as her pride is failing <br />and she fills out the grueling papers <br />to make the final change <br />at least tin foil can still count <br />as an engagement ring <br /> <br />so your hand is permanently glued <br />to a flask or a bottle <br />gin and tears and a life wasted <br />behind bars, or still on <br />your mother's couch <br />waiting for someone to call your name <br />I can only imagine <br />the thoughts that linger in your head <br />but even greater, I presume <br />are the ones being washed away<br /><br />Lindsay King<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/rubbing-alcohol/
