ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

A Step into Hell

It seemed just like a nightmare as the gates of hell had opened wide -
that’s when temptation reared its ugly head inviting me inside.
My innocence was cast aside when first I took that tiny sip.
and alcohol became my master once it had me in its grip.

A love affair then ruled my heart – and soon had set the sternest test;
the nectar of the God’s it’s called - the devils brew describes it best.
My life was quickly ruined; soon my friends began to drift away,
and even mother’s tears had no effect; what more can I now say.

A drunk has no remorse; another drink is all he ever craves,
his self respect has long since gone; some even end in early graves.
A kind of chain and locket next, well handcuffs if the truth be known,
and sometimes in the gutter too, and little sympathy is shown.

I’m sober now, I hope, although the urge is always lurking there,
and I must live my life from this day on, by always taking care.
I think about my wasted life – about the girl I should have wed,
we were so very close, but I became a hopeless drunk instead.
*****
(no this is not me – just saying!) (I’ve known a few like it though)

©T.E. Piggott

Great insight though Terry.
Been there with my brother.

Stupid waste of an intelligent human.
All you say is spot on.

Excellent, Terry - I love reading the different ideas that come out of homework prompts, and certainly didn't think of something like this myself! It is such a sad but so often true tale of a life wasted. I like the way you've likened the chain and locket to handcuffs too, and been so original in portraying a very different sort of love affair indeed!

Thanks Wendy and Catherine.

To be honest when I stared writing for this, I had two half baked ideas, but ended up settling on this one.
I haven't got a clue why though.

Terry

Love the chain and locket analogy - quite inspired thinking there Terry and excellent use made of the prompts. Well done you - I really like this

In a past life I had a lot to do with the problems of alcohol abuse through my work. It's a big tragedy.

If you feel like it Terry, you could look up The Men We Might Have Been by Henry Lawson. In my view one of the best and most insightful poems on addiction.

Yes I know the poem Neville and I agree with you.
The same would no doubt apply to a lot of people who ended up addicted to the bottle.
I can well imagine what you faced at times - it's even worse now with the big increase in other drugs.

Cheers Terry