No Genie In This Bottle

I come in a pretty bottle 
But no I’m not a Genie
Yet I can promise big problems 
For a time will feel teeny

I’ve been called liquid courage 
I’m really the refuge of the weak
If you lack confidence darling 
You will no longer feel meek

You might start out laughing 
Until the tears dilute your beer 
If only you had avoided me
You wouldn’t find yourself here

Unlike a magic Genie
I offer you no wishes times three
Have another  bottle  of tequila 
So you can live inside me

I love how you caress me
As I slip past your lips
You can feel me warm you
From your head to your hips

Minutes to hours
The years all sipped away
You are obsessed with me darling
and for me that’s AOK

In time I’ll replace your family
Take your job and your home
Still some stranger will join you
Because who likes to drink alone

Want is my weapon
The bottle is my perfect trap
You are welcome any time lover
You just have to remove the cap
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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12
Kingston Avatar
April 10, 2023 at 8:30 PM
So dangerous, a liquid that can destroy lives, a liquid!! I have written about this myself in a couple ways regarding someone I know. Yours is so poignant. This was such an important well written poem, a real good one. You are so tremendously talented.
Fowler Avatar
July 28, 2022 at 4:57 AM
Sadly true. So many lives tumble into that trap. Nice penning Richard. Linda
Zottola Avatar
June 9, 2022 at 6:42 AM
It has become a reality especially when there's stress i have not learned to control. I don't use it all the time, but its often on my mind. You struck a nerve within my neverself. Yipe!
Horne Avatar
November 20, 2021 at 12:10 PM
clever write here, my friend
Calasibetta Avatar
October 15, 2021 at 5:56 AM
Hi Rick, you hit the nail on the head with your line "I am really the refuge of the weak".....says it all....great write. Hope all is well....how is your new grandson? Paulette
Proxenos Avatar
September 13, 2021 at 1:24 PM
Richard you are genuinely a marvelous poet, loved the message this poem spelled out hope you are well. hugs and blessings, Jennifer.
Strand Avatar
September 13, 2021 at 10:44 AM
Ingeni -ous writig Richard
Laurie Avatar
September 9, 2021 at 5:43 PM
Hello Richard ... and the bottle never empties; the genie keeps the addicted in line until it becomes the only friend and totally relied upon - thank you Richard - Lindsay
Rodrigues Avatar
September 6, 2021 at 11:37 AM
Fantastic write, Richard,
Dietrich Avatar
September 6, 2021 at 8:29 AM
this has fantastic impact. Sadly, I have a family member slave to it. FAVE.
Y. Avatar
September 5, 2021 at 10:28 AM
WoW! Richard, This is a well-written poem on alcohol and how it can destroy one’s entire life. I know firsthand about alcohol addiction. You are such a gifted writer. I'm adding this to my favs. Have a great day-Alexis
Lamoureux Avatar
October 17, 2021 at 6:04 AM
Sorry for such a late reply. Thanks so much for your visits. Hugs Rick.
Daniel Avatar
September 2, 2021 at 2:17 AM
What a brilliant poem, Richard! Drinking can only bring ruin and nothing else:) loved the personification of the bottle:)
Lamoureux Avatar
September 2, 2021 at 11:14 AM
Thanks Jo, I do think in moderation it can be a positive experience. For me I am okay with an occasional glass of wine on the patio. Anything in excess an lead to our downfall.
Gregory Avatar
September 1, 2021 at 12:04 PM
wasted has been gratification from such as these stance, and justification offers nothing. a nice write of foibles that can lead to such a chasm on undiluted substances. I reflected much on this piece Richard.
Lamoureux Avatar
September 2, 2021 at 11:12 AM
Thanks for reading and commenting. ;0)
Ball Avatar
August 31, 2021 at 3:32 AM
Excellent Richard. Well said. Never depend on anything you can buy in the liquor store or on the street. It's a sure fire trip down the road to Hell. It won't help at all and will eventually take everything you hold dear away from you. Well done. God Bless and thanks for your many lovely reviews. JB
Lamoureux Avatar
September 2, 2021 at 11:11 AM
My pleasure Judy. Hugs Rick.
Goff Avatar
August 30, 2021 at 11:16 PM
Actually, just went to a mtg as usual last nite Richard, 9.5yrs sober!
Lamoureux Avatar
September 2, 2021 at 11:10 AM
Good for you James. No small accomplishment. Blessings Rick.
Wolf Avatar
August 29, 2021 at 7:45 PM
You have absolutely nailed another poem, Richard. Can't wait for the next one. Bravo! ~ Gershon
Lamoureux Avatar
August 30, 2021 at 1:33 PM
Thanks my friend. ;0)
Lamoureux Avatar
August 29, 2021 at 7:10 PM
Thanks for all the kind comments. Hugs Rick.
Jayasankar Avatar
August 28, 2021 at 8:24 AM
Amazing personification Richard... and so powerfully crafted... God bless... ~ Ani
Kingston Avatar
August 26, 2021 at 9:53 PM
I was quiet for a while after I read your poem three times. Very powerful for me. My dad, sad mad now in heaven, too bad.
Gentile Avatar
August 24, 2021 at 4:00 AM
If liquor could speak, you have captured its thoughts perfectly Richard! I know folks who suffer and it is very difficult. A well done piece!!
Goff Avatar
August 18, 2021 at 2:34 PM
Understood, ever-vigilant, Richard, one cannot do it alone, but the decision to resist is singular...
Lawrence Avatar
August 18, 2021 at 7:43 AM
Richard, Brutal and powerful...So very true. I love the animation you gave to liquor. Its taunting , seductive quality and its promise to warm the body while creating a symbiotic relationship with the weak. Love it ! Great work. Susan :)
Poet Avatar
August 17, 2021 at 5:16 PM
Richard, you have crafted a very well-written masterpiece. Many individuals get dependent on the 'genie,' but this leads to a vicious cycle. What began as a temporary remedy soon develops into a dependency. I hope you're well. Lasaad
De Beaulieu Avatar
August 17, 2021 at 4:09 PM
Hello Richard, This is clever. You can not get drunk unless you open several bottles or cans, Enjoy your evening my friend.
Logan Avatar
August 17, 2021 at 9:40 AM
That cap releases a demon that too many allow to control their lives. He takes everything, including dignity. Well written, Rick.
Lamoureux Avatar
August 17, 2021 at 12:09 PM
So true. I have friends and family who have succumbed to the Siren call. Hugs Rick.
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