Oblivion In Recession

The legs started going, Howlings In my head. Thought I'd go, Kept awake with water, Breathing, Arrogantly telling myself I'd stay straight. Drank gin and wine, Went out, Tried to buy more, Unshaven, Filthy white shorts, Lost, rolling on lawn, Somehow got home. Monday, waiting for offie, Looked like death, Fear in eyes Of passers-by, Waiting for drink, Drink relieved me. Drank all day, Collapsed wept "Don't Die on Me." Next day, Double brandy Just about settled me, Drank some more, Thought constantly I'd collapse Then what? Fit? Coronary? Insanity? Worse? Took a Heminevrin, Paced the house All night, Pain in chest, Weak legs, Lack of feeling In extremities, Visions of darkness. Drank water To keep the Life functions going, Played devotional music, Dedicated my life To God, Prayed constantly, Renounced evil. Next day, Two Valiums Helped me sleep. By eve, I started to feel better. Suddenly, All is clearer, Taste, sounds, I feel human again. I made my choice, And oblivion has receded, And shall disappear. ("Oblivion in Recession" first existed as a series of rough notes scrawled on a piece of scrap paper in the dying days of January 1993, although I can't for the life of me recall any "Howlings In my head".)