I don't drink.
*gasp*
I know, I know.
It's uncommon. Bizarre. Maybe even a little shocking.
What's wrong with me?
I've heard all the assumptions...
"I bet you're pregnant!"
(Hello, I'm 50!)
"You must have a medical condition."
(Don't we all?)
"Are you a recovering alcoholic?"
(No, but I've lived with one.)
"You're just a goody two-shoes."
(I have my dark secrets!)
Seriously, I just don't want to drink.
*audience murmurs in disbelief*
Enough subjective sentiments. Let's talk logic.
Drinking has more cons than pros...
"It's full of antioxidants," they say.
(Along with enough poison to liquify my liver.)
"It's a social lubricant."
(I'm already a cheeky conversationalist.)
"It will help you cope with life's torment."
(Isn't that what I pay my therapist for?)
"It will relax you."
(I'm not a big fan of stumbling and mumbling.)
"It will make you feel happy."
(Until I'm unhappily retching in my toilet.)
"It will put you in the mood."
(Liking my partner is an adequate aphrodisiac.)
I know. I know.
It's strange. Unorthodox. Maybe even a little eccentric.
But there's really nothing wrong with me!
I have no pregnancy secrets to tell.
I am not physically or mentally unwell.
There's no addiction I'm trying to quell.
I'm not concerned about going to hell.
I'm not a terrorist infidel.
I.
Just.
Don't.
Drink.
About the Creator
Audrey Steele
I'm a math teacher (my apologies to the math-haters out there) but words are actually my jam. Unlike algebra, which has few practical uses, words are a powerful, creative force. They can stir hope and inspire change. They are live-giving.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
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More stories from Audrey Steele and writers in Poets and other communities.
The Golden Valley
The difference between light and dark could be as quick and simple as a flip of a switch, the drawing of a curtain, the opening of one’s eyes. It could be more gradual like the slow adjustment of the diaphragm on a microscope, the turn of a planet on its axis, the growing light as you approach the end of a tunnel. A flicker in the dark, a steady glow in the distance, a flash in the night sky.
By Alyssa Nicolea day ago in Fiction
Comments (1)
Audrey… I thoroughly enjoyed your poem! It was fresh, and insightful, with powerful arguments for your point. I love your mastery of the written word. Exceptionally well done!!