Claws Poem by Ray Andrews

Like raptors preying on rabbits
Fear and self loathing sink their talons
Into the practicing alcoholic. Unaware
His drinking fuels the predators, he
Deepens their grip by his attempt
To escape through drinking.

His rejection by others spurs
His frantic evasion, and he
Drinks even more. The claws
Dig deeper.

To escape the mortal hold, the
Alcoholic must clearly come to
Know that his current path
Is folly, leading to death.

Many die in the grip.