Daily missive for Friday the 12th of February.

‘Cheers’ he mumbles

Raising the glass

To an empty room

He is unsure why

When there is no one to care

But it seems polite

To acknowledge the first drink

Or maybe it’s the second

He realises it might even

Be the third

Nothing really counts

Before dinner

‘So the time has come to stop

Not the drinking

But the counting

And the eating’

He laughs

Not a warm sound

But a bilious barking rake

Of noise

Without any passing acquaintance

To mirth or good humour

‘How much longer

Do I have to wait?

I am tired of pretending

To be in this world

When I know fine well

One foot is

Already in the grave

What are you waiting for...do you hear me?

Time was I cared enough

To fight for life

But I ain’t got no strength for it now

So get on with it

Snuff out the candle

On the window ledge

Its time is done

Leave me in darkness

I am already lost

There is no way out

For me

Not on my own

So get gone

And leave me

To sample the warmth

Of this single malt

In peace

It is a friend indeed

To a man in need

And one more glass

Should settle down this relentless

Shindig

For the last time’

‘If you’re sure’

The voice replied

‘I am.’ he whispered

‘I am sick and tired

Of waiting for you

To show yourself

It’s well past high time for me

And I stopped hoping

For you

Long ago.’