Drunk

She drinks water like she downs a shot,

Slug, head back, eyes closed,

Gulp.

Alcohol has never whispered past her lips,

Not even at Sunday services when it's legal,

Not even in the backs of hippie vans,

Not even when perspiring red cups and sloshing smiles are shoved into her hands.

But here she is,

Wasted,

Plastered,

Drunk;

All

Slurred words and stumbling feet.

But here she is,

Not a trace of substance in her system.

She drinks water like she downs a shot,

Slug, head back, eyes closed,

Gulp;

Drunk on plain living.