Now (early 1990's)

I guess I've joined the ranks tonight
Drinking to get drunk
Drinking to drink

that is the place for the poet, right?
destroy yourself before the world destroys you
I resisted

I can't anymore pour
me one
more

If I wind up on the floor pick me
up if you want to

maybe I wasn't a poet until now
flailing
failing
truly wanting to end

I'll pour
me one
more

if you won't
and I'll drink the fucker too

Good night.