Once Upon An Alley

(Many with genuine reasons)

‘Oh Wino Wino’
The ignorant everyday sing to him
a truer song they never did render,
his evolving habit is all he has to
leave to this his tedious world
reckons he’ll be dead before autumn.
On a moonless hot January night
upon the great southern freeway,
tragedy took away his wife and child
leaving him only torn memories of why.
To ease the pain of each existing day
the bottle contents his constant friend
now proves false, the turncoat's stab
cut deep when the numbness reawakes,
with every swig he curses this persecutor
yet adds credence to his anticipation,
it will aid him rejoin his love ones
those taken to a heavenly salvation.

© Harry J Horsman 2022
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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George Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 12:12 AM
So sad.... ! The tragedy he met with is too deep to get over. Unfortunately, he seeks to find solace in wrong solutions! Very poignant and happening in the lives of many !
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
June 21, 2022 at 12:06 AM
wow
Romios Avatar
June 12, 2022 at 9:04 PM
Addictions come in many forms. Pain pills, fentanyl is wiping out many Americans. Remember that saying, “There, but for the grace of God, go I” Pot, hash-hush. Also. With God’s grace, an alcoholic in far from doomed. We can say a prayer for that person. They live in loneliness, pain and are hated worse than politicians or murderers. Huggs, Panagiota xx
Callus Avatar
June 12, 2022 at 1:50 AM
You ably speak of a double tragedy, Harry. The loss of family can be a severe blow, and hard to deal with. Drink becomes an false solution...but who am I to judge when I am not in his shoes! ~ Regards // paul
Tor Avatar
June 11, 2022 at 10:25 PM
Harry this was well thought out. The bottle was his therapy and escape. The harm done from drinking from it will soon cause his demise, therefore bringing him together with his deceased family. Great truth written here Harry. God bless you...
Hankins Avatar
June 10, 2022 at 10:32 AM
Harry, this is an incredible insightful poem, beautifully written. Your talent for imagery and line is really evident here. Good writing. I thoroughly enjoyed it, although the subject matter was a bit dark. Good stuff!
Pandit Avatar
June 10, 2022 at 5:02 AM
A story true to life--some seek solace where there's none. Well crafted poem, Harry.
M  Avatar
June 10, 2022 at 4:55 AM
That would be an unbearable loss…..some have to cope with unimaginable tragedy no wonder they turn to substances. A very real and sad poem Harry.written so well…..Debx
Buhagiar Avatar
June 10, 2022 at 1:07 AM
Such a cruel loss, but drink addiction is not the answer. I know from a friend who lived in my street. She died young.
Cunningham Avatar
June 9, 2022 at 11:37 PM
Sad that there are many who find themselves in that situation due to a personal tragedy. Tom
Maverick Avatar
June 9, 2022 at 11:00 PM
Well there is truth and falsehood in this Type of situation Harry, hey I was Wondering how many global covid puppeteers Every day or hour are coming face to Face with God, and realising their fate.? What a life, he must have a better end than They though?
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