THE SPIRITS AND ME

Please accept my apologies 
I've been rude and unkind 
Alcohol does that to me
But I keep choosing it every time 

The way it makes me feel 
How it controls my mind 
I crave its friendship 
Over the value of family and time 

I give no thought to what I say or do 
As soon as I had a drink or two 
My confidence is strong 
Most times, I'm in a talkative mood 
Heck! It beats feeling lonely and secluded 

I need no one to tell my troubles to 
A bottle of Hennessy and a six pack of beer will do 
People have a way of looking down on you
But once I have my liquor, 
Heck! I'll drink to you

After the high, comes the low
Reason returns I must face the world 
All of my weaknesses and faults are exposed 
And my critics form lines outside my door 

So the first chance I get 
I make my way to the corner store 
The owner knows me by name, and what I'm there for 
He always greets me with a smile 
Never feeling judged or treated like a child 

So please accept my apology 
The next time i am rude or unkind 
And don't blame it on the alcohol 
He is the only friend I have
That understands me, and encourages my mind.

Wilford Barker.