Whiskey On the Table

by James Babbs

I’ve got whiskey on the table and
the bottle catches the light
I watch it dance on the wall
on the opposite side of the room
twelve cans of Coke
in the fridge getting cold and
tonight I’m alone
but it’s okay
sometimes
I like it this way
no one getting upset
because
I don’t want to do anything
but sit on the couch and
watch TV
have a few drinks and
get drunk
if I want to
without someone screaming at me
I’ve already had enough
none of that tonight
oh no and
I won’t have to fight
for my share of the blankets
plenty of room in the bed
the room spinning
when I close my eyes and
I’ll hold the pillow next to my body
hoping
I’m drunk enough to sleep