The Final Battle

The bottle was full
Just like their spirits
They shared as the talk grew louder
Spoke of times when drinking was sociable
That was a time ago
Now the drink was a necessity
The medicine of life
The bottle was beginning to empty now
Just like the existence they led
You could see it in their faces
As the battle for the last drink intensified
Every battle has a winner
This time he was the stronger
Gulping down the last drop as if his life depended on it
There would be many more battles like this
Ultimately, the main battle lay ahead
The final one
The freezing weather moved in slowly
Though he was totally unaware
Lying in a drunken stupor
Surrounded by empty bottles
Screaming as the battle raged inside him
Fighting for the final time
As his life slowly ebbed away
The snow covered him like a blanket
Peacefully taking him to a new place
The battle over
His thirty five year old existence finally at an end.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Ricci Avatar
July 29, 2023 at 3:37 AM
Good Morning Paul. Hello. Please allow me to let your entry stand. This is nothing I could add to this. I read your words twice. This is very sad which makes it beautiful poetry. Once again you have executed an entry that must be read out loud slowly with emphasis and feeling. It was an honor turning to your page and skilled talent. Have a wonderful morning and weekend. Blessings (smile)
Bell Avatar
July 30, 2023 at 3:35 AM
You too, Lisa, be good.
George Avatar
July 23, 2023 at 9:56 AM
The end lurks behind everyone. We wonder if it is going to be a smooth slipping away into a different world or after waging a real battle. Great poem, dear friend
Bell Avatar
July 24, 2023 at 8:38 AM
Definitely sad for some.
Baker Avatar
July 22, 2023 at 3:15 PM
Sad tale, Paul, but good poetry. It may be closer for all of us than we think. Thanks for sharing your thoughts throu poetry. Have a great weekend! Bill
Bell Avatar
July 23, 2023 at 1:21 AM
Thanks, Bill, you too.
Anaya Avatar
July 22, 2023 at 12:35 PM
The downward spiral begins, and still a young man. Lovely short story, Paul.
Bell Avatar
July 23, 2023 at 1:20 AM
Drink sure does take hope and life from some.
Puddifoot Avatar
July 16, 2023 at 2:32 PM
a dismal demise..so many end up this way
Bell Avatar
July 19, 2023 at 3:01 AM
It is sad, and drink is so easy to get.
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