When it switched to swallowing me
innocence became liquid
sick became normal
green vomit holding my hand
My child noted--hardened her eyes
My wife poured out the front door
How long it took for me until
my life corked the bottle
How lucky I felt beside those who didn’t
How old age mellowed the pour of life
When one drink now allows
smooth sips of comfort at the end.
Originally published in Ariel Chart