It was another stormy night
And the rain was belting down
He's leaning drunk, across the bar
And he lives way out of town.
Will he make it safely home?
He's sure to get soaking wet
What story will he tell his wife?
[One he hasn't thought of yet.]
She waits for him on Friday nights
When he has a few with the boys
She hopes he'll honor the vows he made
And won't play with the big boys toys.
He suffers regret almost every week
When he gets drunk with that crowd
Maybe next week he'll head home after work
I'm sure that would be allowed.
Men are ruled by the habits they get
When they were both young, and single
And every hot headed young worker
Had spare money in pockets to jingle.
Will our weekly drunk change at all?
Will he be true to his loving wife?
Or will he become just a drunken bum,
With stuff-ups the rest of his life?
Author notes
Met an old friend who was like this. He still is, 40 years later, but he has no family now.
Comments please
Comments
1 - 24 of 24
-
interesting thoughts . . so true of some . . liked "She hopes he'll honor the vows he made" and "He suffers regret almost every week" . .
-
-
Hi Carol, many thanks for commenting on this piece. Sadly such situations do exist and from my own experiences talking to the men involved they really cannot help themselves. It's some form of an addiction.
-
-
Great picture of a pub, and the 'locals', the sad addiction to the glass canoes that sail them into oblivion. Sometimes there's no way home. A good write.
-
-
The Pub is unfortunately the scene where many regret their addiction yet continue to indulge it. You are quite right in saying; "Sometimes there's no way home." Thanks for for your encourageing comments.
-
-
This is a great poem ^^ wonderful job. and it makes you think. i love poem like this. ^^
-
-
Thank you for your complimentary comment. It is a poem to make people think. Sadly it still happens all too often.
-
-
"stuff-ups" what a great word, a play on something else, right? Great narrative feel to this. It's so sad when men end up like this and eventually their wives do get tired of waiting or something else tragic happens. Like maybe this guy will get behind the wheel of a car when he shouldn't be driving.
Like the form and rhyme as well.
jjj
-
-
I used the words " stuff - ups" because they are somewhat innocuous and won't offend anyone but still give the imagination room to work. There are too many relationships destroyed by alccohol and its effects. Thank you for your encouraging comments.
-
-
I see this every night at work, I serve these people and usually they come EVERY night, not just Friday nights. You said it all in your notes, how "he has no family now" most of the ones I see are on their own too. Addiction is a sad reality of life, and usually begins when we are most vulnerable and at a low point with no-one to help guide us through. Great write....alby
-
-
It is a sad situation that many refuse to acknowledge alcohol to be an addictive drug. It is. I went through a short period when the world was against me and I literally drowned my sorrows. They were there with bells on the very next day. So I quit, anyway, I couldn't afford to keep going. Really appreciate your comments.
-
-
Words of wisdom and truth... what saddens me most is seeing 4 or 5 year olds with their parents at the pub...what sort of example is that ? very poignant write, with hard hitting truths, done with your usual verve mate
-
-
You are right again Rob, it is sad to see the little kids at the pub while Mum and Dad are having a go at the grog. All too often that is Mum's answer to Dad going on his own and leaving her to look after things at home.
-
-
Bob,
your poem sings Country and these songs are sung in oh so many countries. A man needs some time with his boys but it shouldn't be at a cost to his family, it's back to that thing of balance. Sad to hear that your friend lost his family like this.
Poignant Poetry.
Yvette
-
-
Country it is Yvette, Aussie country. I agree that men need a little time without the missus and kids, as does the wife, but not over a period of years and years at the expense of the family. I tried it once but found I couldn't keep up, nor afford it, so I quit.
-
-
Great poem, Bob and one which tells an all too common story. Beautiful rhythm and the words sat together well. I love reading your works as there is always a wonderful tale behind your words and they are always remembered.
-
-
Many thanks for your comments. The sadness of this sort of thing is that some get over ti and some don't. Those who don't usually end up broken, lonely men who still frony up to the bar.
-
-
I really liked this poem, true to life for some out there!! Your last verse I can relate to..guess we've all known people like this..and.. wonder.
-
-
Sadly it is true to life for some in our community, wherever it may be. The questions in the last verse are always in my mind when I see this sort of thing happening. Some change and become great role models for their families and others wind up homeless and lonely. I appreciate your comments and thank you for taking the time.
-
-
Yes, it happens that way quite often Bob. This is great look at a slice of life that is true for many. Bravo!
-
-
I think it's a great shame that many go this way. Quite often they are good workers, and think the world of their families. I guess alcohol is a drug and they become addicted, drink at any cost.
-
-
Sounds like my ex!!
I think NZ and Aussie have this inbedded into their culture!!
Shame.. cause they usually end up alone and lonely!
Great write !
-
-
The only thing that keeps Aussie and NZ apart is the Tasman Sea. The cultures are so similar it's not funny at all. You said it loud and clear: "Shame.. cause they usually end up alone and lonely" They do. Thanks for comments, Jackie, I appreciate them.
-
-
lol
damn Bob now this is real life stuff. The bar.. Always close and at times not so friendly. I shared a few drinks and stitches in them lol
-
-
Yes Bob, real life stuff. Go into any pub on a Friday afternoon late, and there they are, the same ones every week. I was never one of those, I couldn't afford it. I wonder who suffers the most in their families, The wife, the kids, or maybe both. An occasional visit for a special reason is OK, but not on a regular basis. many thanks for commenting.
-
Adding your comment:
1 - 24 of 24
