Daily missive for Monday the 26th of April.
‘It’s alright for you.’
Billy spoke in a hurry
Between mouthfuls
We had shared the last of the gin
I didn’t like the taste
It was like perfume going in
I guessed it would be even
Less appealing coming back
What makes a guy decide
To down a bottle
Of something he hates
Rather than call it a night
Everybody knows house parties
Will never be the time of your lives
But maybe this one
Would be something to remember
For the wrong reasons
‘What makes you say that?’
‘You live across the street
But I’ve just remembered
My parents moved and I have to hike five miles
Before I reach the new house’
‘Oops.’ I laughed.
Not a good idea as the gin was on repeat.
There was only one thing I could do
We were best friends after all
‘Come on I’ll walk home with you.’
Not the best idea
I lived just across the street
He could have crashed
At my house
I could see it
But alcohol is a great leveller
And we were close to level
Quite soon after
Lying in a heap on the road
Laughing like drains
Even as a few cars flew past
It couldn’t last
Playing chicken in the rain
Whilst dressed to thrill
Will never end well
Hiding from cops in the trees
For no good reason
Other than to pretend
We were on the run
Is no fun
When they pick you up and stick you
In a night cell
With a bunch of drunks and recidivists
It is a quick way to get sober
When the guy with a hand
On my shoulder
Is the kid I stopped beating
My brother
When I was younger
But now we’re both older
He is twice my size
Pushing his broken nose into my face
Eyes on the prize
‘Back off now
Give me some space’ I bluffed.
‘I remember
Hitting you when you were smaller’
He laughed and hugged me
Like a comfort blanket
‘Yes, But I bet you couldn’t do it now.’
‘Not a chance... big ears.’
Thankfully he laughed and so did I
Until we were both in tears
In the morning
On the street sorry and sober
Billy and I agreed
There would be no more drinking
Until Christmas
And always stick the gin
In the bin
By default.