One more shot of whiskey.
One more pill to swallow.
I can quit anytime.
Until the pain rushes in.
“No more self-help books, just do it.”
He gives me another chance.
I can quit anytime.
Until I remember what I long to forget.
“This isn’t what I signed up for.”
He shouts as he walks out the door.
I can quit anytime.
He’ll never understand.
With shaking hands, I pull from the bottle.
Wash down the tablets that’ll remove the edge.
I can quit anytime.
Though I long for oblivion.
I’ll wait ‘til the weekend’s over.
I’ll quit on Monday.
~~
I’m not sure why, but my muse took me here. To the cycle of destructive addiction and the struggle to overcome. The photo that brought this inspiration was taken by Yvette Prior. It reminded me of my own days of struggle in the ‘70’s and early ‘80’s. For those of you who may struggle, professional help exists and there is no shame in seeking it.
“Friday Fictioneers” is a weekly challenge hosted by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff Fields. This challenge is to write a story using only 100 words in response to a photo prompt. It has been a lot of fun to join in with this fantastic and encouraging group of writers! For more stories, visit HERE.
Thoughts of a Wanderer 
Brenda – when I read your post in the reader just now – it was a double whammy – you see – in the reader the opening photo was that plant behind the old wire fence – worn and caged in vibe – and the photo matched the tension and sucked in feeling of your 100 word story-
Then! To see that it was the Friday fictioneers photo was a surprise and it fit so well too! So for me – doubly good and the note about no shame in getting help if needed was good – and it might just fall on ears that need that message –
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Your words are always very encouraging, thank you! I do hope the message at the end helps someone who might hesitate to seek care and assistance. Have a wonderful week ahead! =)
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you too brenda – wishing you a nice week –
and thanks for that sweet reply
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Hey Brenda. You muse has led you to an interesting place. Thanks for posting this poetic prose story poem.
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I think I cheated a bit, writing a poem instead of a story. Thank you for your comment, Kelvin! =)
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This all sounds very horribly familiar. Very well written.
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I’m so sorry for that. Thank you for commenting and hope you are well!
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It was a long time ago 🙂
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I’m glad, take care. =)
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A very realistic of someone in denial of their addiction. Excellent.
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I know from experience the whole “I can quit anytime” excuse so I’ll quit tomorrow (or next Monday). Thank you for commenting! =)
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You have captured the way an addict thinks so well. Very poignant and well written!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Thank you for your kind words, Susan! =)
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Very well done, Brenda. I can hear the addict trying to convince him/herself.
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Thanks, Dale. It is a vicious cycle and often takes extreme measures to break.
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You use of repetition makes this piece so powerful. Very well written.
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Thank you, Margarisa, for your encouraging feedback. I’ve not written poetry but felt inspired to try something different by the photo prompt this week. Take care!
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You’re welcome, Brenda!
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An eloquent portrayal of anyone who has an addiction that they’re sure they can give up. Well done.
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That’s what causes the terrible cycle. Thank you for stopping by, reading and commenting. =)
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Very well written and I really like the repetition – and the title is perfect, of course.
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My husband and I use the phrase “millionth Monday” when we talk about our propensity to eat badly, “We’ll start on Monday.” Thank you for your encouragement!
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Dear Brenda,
This is just wonderful. Not only have you captured the mind of the addict, you’ve told the story of how her life is crumbling in a few words with the husband/boyfriend’s “This is not what I signed up for.” Brilliant storytelling in verse. Of course she can quit anytime…
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s a dreadful life, addiction, and causes destruction in the person’s wake. Thank you so much, Rochelle, for your kind words as always.
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Very good.
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Thank you so much, Dawn! =)
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Superbly written
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Thank you so much for your encouragement, Dahlia!
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Very poetic.
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What a realistic and heart-wrenching story of addiction. I feel for her as she tries to quit but seems powerless to even as her marriage/relationship crumbles. I like that you wrote it in poetic form. It makes it even more poignant.
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Thank you for commenting. To see someone’s addiction destroy their life and their relationships is indeed sad. To struggle is to be human. Take care & God bless! =)
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