Peer Pressure

Another assignment--the last one actually--from my intermediate poetry class. It's a sestina so there's a pattern of repeating end-words. And POOF. I'm mostly posting this because my friend Eve was there while I was working on it and wanted to see the "finished" product. Don't read into it too heavily! Haha.

When entering my veins it sets me free

from worry and embarrassment, save

the kind that follows alcohol. Only

those never bother me, and my friends

need reminding now and then. Alcohol

will be your greatest friend till dawn--

No, I'll keep the parting going, even dawn

can’t stop me when I'm rolling free

of inhibitions thanks to my pal, Alcohol.

Although the bar is not the place to save

your money, if you’re cunning you can ask a friend

to buy a drink or two. Tell them only

one if it helps. Or find a stranger, only

for a few if needed. Don’t forget to ditch at dawn

unless you want to end up “more than friends.”

For now, stick around and drink for free.

With the right plan for the night you’ll save

your cash. Reserve it for more alcohol.

I think of my first taste of alcohol--

I was just thirteen, but it was only

for the Seder. I learned to save

my appetite. That day starts not at dawn

but sundown. Those stories show us how to free

each other, remind us not to leave any friend

behind. I still won’t forsake a friend

even when we’re in the throes of alcohol.

Who would’ve thought a liquid could free

you from concern and constraints, though only

temporarily? At least before dawn

arrives and contrives to save

you from yourself. I'm trying to save

everyone now. Acquaintance or friend

I'll stay or walk away at dawn

as needed. Especially when I and alcohol

socialize--we want to save the world. Only

it’s too far gone. It already thinks it’s free.

In this strange yet familiar dawn, sobriety arises to save

us, always, from being free. I say my goodbyes to friends

and my farewell, for now, to alcohol. The morning-after full of if only.