The Itch

When the itch for fun returns, not a second thought is given,

as your neck creaks back, and you close your eyes in escape.

We know you've tried.

We admire your attempts at playing sober.

But the itch always returns, doesn't it?

-

The glass is emptied before much thought is given,

and those acquaintances you call friends cheer as every once is finished.

You'll teeter and jeer.

You'll wobble and fall.

All the while smiling and feeling like this is where you belong,

as your family back home waits up, late into the night

for you to stumble home again.

-

We know it must be hard

to open the fridge and crumple,

to walk past the store without fault

as the gentle coax of fun calls

and disturbs all the work you've done.

-

So, we will not lower our brows and make you feel rotten.

We will swallow our tears and call your A.A sponsor,

so that you won't be the reason

a night, an evening, a family

or a life

is ruined, without a second thought.