Allow me to introduce myself. John Barleycorn is the name. Pleasure’s mine! You will have to forgive me if I come on strong. It is just that I feel you have potential. Come on, play my game. Rules?? My, oh my, but you are young.
This game is my own invention. You can play standing or lying.| Never mind my intentions. Down me now and ask no more. Drink ‘til I have you laughing, then drink ‘til I have you crying. When you come to, I’ll be at the bar. Only have to open the door.
See how good a friend I am? You get down and I pick you up. See what a wonderful doctor I am? Too much makes you sick, more makes you well. To forget, have a couple more cups. Why be sad when you don’t have to be. Are you thick?
People will tell you that you have to be my type. Bull! Get enough of me in you, make no mistake, you are mine. Don’t forget, one of my specialties is pulling wool. I can do it with whiskey, vanilla, canned heat, beer, and-or wine.
Name others, but I am too busy to think. Don’t get hot and bothered. Remember, drunks are entertaining. Witty and great at debate. In the movies, aren’t they? TV ads show people getting snockered. See how pretty I made them? See what I did for their weight?
You may notice side effects, it’s true . What hair of the dog is for. Some will imply that spending a lot for me is bad. They won’t want you to hide me so you can have more. Jealous, what they are. It is a lie that I am make you mad.
Isn’t my fault you have wrecks. Ever heard of designated drivers? Don’t blame me if you fall and break an arm or a knee. I especially refuse to be responsible for your liver Always had a temper. Let me be!
I am the poison of choice. Ask any senator if I’m right. Isn’t like I’m a druuuuug. It is totally against my principles. For entertainment purposes only, aren’t I ? Of course, I am not -- nor are you -- invincible.
Allow me to introduce myself. John Barleycorn is the name. My pleasure! You will have to forgive me if I come on strong. It is just that I feel you have potential. Come on, play my game. Rules?? My, oh my, but you are young.
(c) Phyllis Jean Green, 2005
N: Drinking is not a ‘moral issue’ with me. Alcoholism is, after all,a disease. It is just that with more and more college students dying in alcohol-related incidents and more and more children drinking and domestic violence becoming epidemic {"drinking is a significant risk factor for repeated incidents. . .there is an eight times
greater probability of domesticviolence on days when the man drinks heavily compared to days without heavy drinking. . ." ; see\link}, there is an urgent need to address the issue. Mothers Against Drunk Driving {M.A.D.D.} send out photographs of victims who break your heart in two. One of the most important facts that alcoholism research has brought to light is that any person can become addicted if s/he imbibes large quantities of alcohol repeatedly within a relatively short period.. "Large" depends on weight, age, diet, general health, extenuating circumstances, etc. While it is obvious that alcoholic tendency can be inherited, it is very important that people understand that alcohol is a highly addictive substance {"controlled" or not}, in and of itself. Yet cigarette packages carry warning labels, and products containing alcohol do not. Not that I think warning labels are the answer! Nor that there is one answer! Virtually all societies from the beginning of time have sought solace and exhilaration via mood-changing chemicals. Doubtless they always will. That does not mean we can afford to allow overuse of alcohol to continue to cause mayhem and lost lives! If we can convince our legislators to set better examples and throw their support behind alcohol education and rehabilitation [among other measures], maybe it will become less acceptable to drink to the point of being drunk. It would be a start.
Powerful, poignant work, that is thought provoking and so very true.
Reminds me of "Mr.Bojangles." Phyllis,thank you for sharing this, and continued success-
Barbara J Henry
Well, my thoughts are these. I am definately an alcoholic, have an addictive personality, a screwed up child-hood, alcoholism runs in my family sooooo, I started drinking at an early age and as you say it's addicting, you bet it is, I drank for years even after my first DWI (DUI) in the early 90's.
I finally decided that I was sick of being sick and just quit, on my own. No meetings, nothing except a belief in God that He could help me. I was sober for 10 yrs and then relapsed about 2 1/2 yrs ago. I got too comfy, I told myself "you've been good all these years, 1 drink won't hurt" and it was reinforced by a misinformed loved one.
Well 2 more DWI's, a wrecked car and all kinds of fines, I am blessed. Yes, blessed. I am so thankful that I never ran over anyone or into them. I believe in Miracles and that IS certainly one. I've always said that God looks out for idiots and small children and I acted like both.
This time around I am seeking help, have a sponsor that I am accountable to, and have been 12 stepping it into good mental health. The sad thing for so many is they don't know that it's more than abstaining from their drug of choice, relapse prevention is a way of life. We can't stop many of the things in our lives that might trigger the urge to drink or use but we can learn to recognize these triggers and call for help. One last thing, relapse is very sneaky, things don't have to be going bad (like what led up to my 10 yr's out the window) and 9times out of 10 relapse has already started, sometimes months before the actual use and it blind-sides us. We as addicted folks HAVE to learn to recognize the triggers.
N'fuf said, lol. Great stuff my friend.
Love, Janet xoxoxo
mederate drinking is not harmful ... those who overindulge,
medicate their problems ..they have diseased souls, addicted to trying to suppress the inadequacies of their character ...
i agree with so many here
your poem holds so much truth in what it spaeks
it isn't to be taken lightly, and as Sue said all drinking isn't bad
its over indulging and the knowledge to know the limits for one-self
excellent piece and message....it is the season to have this posted
i have been sober for 15 years now but i dont believe that all drinking is bad...some people can drink and not have problems controlling it. i wasn't one of those people. many of us are not...but i dont' blame other people drinking for my inability to handle it...as i'm sure you do not either.
Reviewed by Judy Lloyd (Reader)
Reviewed on January 7, 2005
Well this is very interesting to me as I am trying to write a book about chemical dependency based on a Keith Whitley song.
I used to believe there was no harm in having a coctail or "highball" as they used to be called, every evening. If I am like anyone else, I can say this: After having a drink when I get home for three days in a row, I am thinking about how nice it is going to be to have one, as I am pulling into my drive, on the fourth night. I rarely drink anymore. Truth is, I never developed a taste for alcohol, so I tended to partake in the fluffy drinks like Kaluha and Cream. I also used to enjoy wine, trying to tell myself it was good for my heart. Soon enough I was convenced that food was just not the same without the wine. I believe, at least for me, that alcohol is extremely addictive. This is a very well written and educational piece, Pea. Thank you for this post.
Take care,
Sherry
And probably a good start, too. I admit I did my share of drinking in my younger days; but thankfully, I was always willing to let a designated driver get me home, and I learned moderation; but it is a lesson many could benefit from today.
Reviewed by Anna Marie Fritz (Reader)
Reviewed on January 7, 2005
Phyllis, this is one hugely potent piece of writing!
You said what needed to be said, and in a most unique way.
The "John Barleycorn" thing is perfect!
Did you know that most alcolholics suffer from BiPolar Disorder?
Check out my articles on this, if you get a minute. Okay?
Thank you for visiting my pages and commenting. It is much
appreciated. My illustration for "Optimist Rising" (in answer
to your question) is a prop I created for a photography backdrop.
On rare occasions, I do portraits. Mostly, tho, I do scenics
and animals.
This one is so well-expressed. I'm appalled at its raw emotion. Drinking is NOT an addiction, it IS a disease. Like any other type of diseases, it needs people's understanding and caring and the support shown; and most importantly is the willingness to get well.
This speaks oh so powerfully to me, Phyllis... from both sides of the fence. My father was an alcoholic and to go without my own "evening tipple" causes me distress, too. I can't endorse your message strongly enough. You speak words of truth and good sense that those who are already beguiled, such as me, can, perhaps, hear but are already too weak to do anything about. I'm no soak, but the writing is on the wall and, as with all type of addictions, our own self-knowledge and belief that we are "strong enough" to keep it all under control do little to "call the tune" to the chemical reactions in the body, saying that this is just a social habit that can be "kicked at any time". We fool ourselves and nobody else - especially not our own bodies! You would be a good friend indeed if you were to ask me whether, in a week's time, I had lessened my intake or even abstained as a result of all these words... I would probably be embarrassed to reply... Sobering write and message - and too serious to be flip!!! TY Kate xx
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Reminds me of "Mr.Bojangles." Phyllis,thank you for sharing this, and continued success-
Barbara J Henry
Powerful write - thanks for sharing this emotive piece ... outstanding!!
Blessings,
Robert
I finally decided that I was sick of being sick and just quit, on my own. No meetings, nothing except a belief in God that He could help me. I was sober for 10 yrs and then relapsed about 2 1/2 yrs ago. I got too comfy, I told myself "you've been good all these years, 1 drink won't hurt" and it was reinforced by a misinformed loved one.
Well 2 more DWI's, a wrecked car and all kinds of fines, I am blessed. Yes, blessed. I am so thankful that I never ran over anyone or into them. I believe in Miracles and that IS certainly one. I've always said that God looks out for idiots and small children and I acted like both.
This time around I am seeking help, have a sponsor that I am accountable to, and have been 12 stepping it into good mental health. The sad thing for so many is they don't know that it's more than abstaining from their drug of choice, relapse prevention is a way of life. We can't stop many of the things in our lives that might trigger the urge to drink or use but we can learn to recognize these triggers and call for help. One last thing, relapse is very sneaky, things don't have to be going bad (like what led up to my 10 yr's out the window) and 9times out of 10 relapse has already started, sometimes months before the actual use and it blind-sides us. We as addicted folks HAVE to learn to recognize the triggers.
N'fuf said, lol. Great stuff my friend.
Love, Janet xoxoxo
In Spirit,
Bear
medicate their problems ..they have diseased souls, addicted to trying to suppress the inadequacies of their character ...
your poem holds so much truth in what it spaeks
it isn't to be taken lightly, and as Sue said all drinking isn't bad
its over indulging and the knowledge to know the limits for one-self
excellent piece and message....it is the season to have this posted
Take care,
Sherry
You said what needed to be said, and in a most unique way.
The "John Barleycorn" thing is perfect!
Did you know that most alcolholics suffer from BiPolar Disorder?
Check out my articles on this, if you get a minute. Okay?
Thank you for visiting my pages and commenting. It is much
appreciated. My illustration for "Optimist Rising" (in answer
to your question) is a prop I created for a photography backdrop.
On rare occasions, I do portraits. Mostly, tho, I do scenics
and animals.
This one is so well-expressed. I'm appalled at its raw emotion. Drinking is NOT an addiction, it IS a disease. Like any other type of diseases, it needs people's understanding and caring and the support shown; and most importantly is the willingness to get well.
Wodnerful write, Phyllis!
Sandie May Angel a.k.a. Sandie Angel :o)
"From the Horse's Mouth" I have learned how Poetry works on educating.
Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU