40% Proof

80% proof is better but remember that is only temporary. Good work in showing what most of us in some ways have felt from time to time.

Raw and poignant companion piece to your most recent poem. Very well written man!

Raw mate raw, also as I’ve gotten older the number one thing that stops me from drinking is sleeping like shit. I know it should be things like “health” but fuck man I like my sleep

This is so raw and powerful. I love it. A traded vice for something else is still a step forward. Many people do not acknowledge their vices or they deny them, and pretend its okay. And a lot of times the people around them do the same because its easier. I am hoping this poem is just a really amazing and on point creative piece because as wonderful as it was, I comprehend the feeling of tired and lonely - so hard. If it isn't a creative piece, know that I am hugging you with my whole soul, and if you EVER need anyone to talk to, I'm on the vocal discord, send me a friend invite and message!

What a beautifully raw piece, Pal, I can feel the ache…the need to numb from one addiction by choosing another. I’ve been witness to this in family and I know the journey is not an easy one. But not everyone who chooses it *sees* it, and you do. Thats huge! Transforming neural pathways is not simple, but seeing their loops is the first step to snapping them in half to form new pathways. You are already doing the work by naming them and writing. Always admire the honesty and realness of your poetry! 🩷✨

A shot of raw whiskey in poem form, well done!

What an emotional ride! I feel your exhaustion. I've never been a drinker, never a single drop. Yet I can relate to that level of overwhelming emotion and loneliness that makes you want something, anything, to dull the pain. (That's part of the reason I've never drank, I wonder how much worse that yearning would become if I ever decide to imbibe. After watching my mother-in-law drink herself into an early grave, I think I'll stick to my writing for emotional release.) You painted a vivid picture of that emotional turmoil. I loved the play on heroin and heroine. But my part was the very end after you talk about your heartbeat's march and then put in 3 dashes, 2 dashes, 1 dash. It felt like intentional breathing, counting breaths to calm the nerves so you can fall asleep. Hope writing this gave you that release you were searching for.

First off I am glad you know this is a safe zone, write what you need, no judgment. Opening up is hard, because you need to face truths. I chose November as my dry month. Let’s see how to goes. I truly like your honest approach and emotions in this piece

I'm with you Paul: "but at 40% proof it's enough to dull out the everything until it's not" Nothing like a good stiff drink to take away the pain. Better than any drug.

Rest up!

Wow. That went places! Sitting here with coke (acola) and no JD and Gin but no tonic... I feel a little in your zone. I hate that poetry is better when its raw like this. It's f#£%ed. I am an emotional vampire at heart. Great poem, Paul.

That was a very raw and honest piece of writing. It takes real strength to put feelings of exhaustion and loneliness out there like that. I hope you find the rest you need. You're definitely not alone in feeling this way.

Wow! This one left me lingering in the moment. It's very therapeutic that we get to put words to paper as a release. Makes you wonder how non-writers deal with situations where they have something to say but don’t know how, or can’t find the right words. Hope you feel better after sharing this. The part about it all coming back after sleep is definitely relatable. Sleep affords a break in between, a rest from dealing with issues or bs. Hope you get a great night of sleep, Paul. Amazing poem!!!