“Some folks ain’t never gonna make it, ”
said Willie Benney, “don’t ask me why
but that’s the truth
so if they can’t live in this world
they dream of another world
and maybe that
other world’s gonna be better for ‘em.
I been trying to get to that
improved place for fifty-five years
through vodka. Now, well,
I figure I just gotta live in this one.”
“How old are you? ” I asked.
“Sixty.”
“Sixty? ” I blurted out,
“but just before you said
you were drinking for fifty-five years.”
Benny smiled saying,
“Started when I was five,
couldn’t help it since my ma was a drunk
and I wanted to be close to her
so I did like her—
guzzle vodka.
Course she couldn’t afford
no fancy booze but any stuff will do
if your heart’s tortured.”
“Is your mother dead? ” I whispered.
“What the hell you think? ”
“I really don’t know.”
“A drunk don’t live long.”
“You’re still around.”
“God loves me.”
i would like to see you write a play. cast the actors and put it on stage. it would be a hoot.
I've met guys like this but they're booze was'nt vodka.It was a mix of aftershave Dettol and Toilet Duck.Beats White Lightning and can be mixed to taste in Edinburgh Grass Market Saturday nights.Drives ya clean round the bend Charlie. Respect, Sid John.
booze i just want to be a boozer So i am I often wonder why, when i drink i cry Because, i still need it I often wonder why I drank the saloons dry Because, i still need it Because i still love it very good poem mister wax, right up there with the booziest best Warm regards AJS
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Charles: I thought you might enjoy this: Elegy for a Homeless Man Who Died on the Park Bench New Year's Eve. What light redemption kissed your lips, winter dusting that paper shroud, white? Oh, brother, my brother, your departure bowed in flightless resolution before the crowd; Right there, our laughter, silenced; Red flashes; See how red brightens the darkness? Red, turning, just now, the corner of midnight. Sandra....................did I mention that I love your work?