Wine on Monday by C.E.K. Nelson

Art and poetry creating awareness for all. Please click on image to view painting.

WINE ON MONDAY
God bless vino
It makes me feel very fino
Pain is gone from me- no
And I can see very keeno.
-C.E.K. Nelson

People who read this poem chuckle and say "that's cute " and I would agree until I started writing this blog. I never knew why I wrote this poem, thinking that perhaps it was a reflection on my own loose love of the reformed grape. I now realize that this poem has more to do with the not so cute subject of alcoholism which hinders so many... including a member of my family. At times,we turn a blind eye to this disease that cripples the person we love because we are afraid to loose them -that is until we actually loose them to the liquid crutch and they can no longer see very keeno. The pain an acholic is experiencing on the inside, after several beverages, manifests itself on the outside and inflicts others like poisonous venum. Relationships are destroyed. The alcoholic's feelings of pain are magnified and they are given courage through alcohol to lash out without the notion of consequence. And still ... The pain is gone from me- no.

Author's Note

Thank you for reading my effort!

Reviews

[James Hanna-Magill]

Dear C.E.K. Nelson

Thank you for suggesting I read this piece of yours, following your kind review of my poem 'Transition.'

Now I can see precisely why you directed me here.

Let me review this as it comes to me.

1) Of course the poem is short and appears to have a comic edge to it.

Yet there is a truism which simply says that comedy is but the flip-side of tragedy.

We often smile about things, because if we didn't we would cry.

And that is exactly what you are doing here.

2) Often like my writing, the author's note to it, is almost as important if not at times even more important than the piece itself. This applies here.

3) It seems also that we inhabit very similar territory. That is we both discuss social and moral issues.

I do so with mental health disorders and their tragic consequences. However I also stretch to philosophising on the meaning of life and my belief in the love and compassion that we should offer to fellow man.

Self absorption internalises us when we might better being externalised and helping the others of whom we talk.

Here your commentary is on the sadness of alcoholism. How it strips a person's life in dependency and the huge destructive impact on anyone associated with an alcoholic. The pain is shared both by the perpetrator and their kinsfolk.

4) I envy you your ability to accompany your writing with your own art. I sketch a little using pencil, charcoal or pastels. I would love to be able to do what you do, but I am nowhere near as proficient. So when I try to support a piece of my writing with my own graphic art, I never feel it is good enough.

I always admired Mervyn Peake, the author of the Gormenghast trilogy, for his ability to do very simple sketches to include with his writing. He was an war artist in the second world war and was one of the first into Belsen. Often his drawings are therefore rather bleak. Perhaps if I keep at it and keep it simple?!

5) As for the poem itself, you explain it better than I ever could and as I say your explanation then becomes part of your own art.

I felt the point you made effective.

6) Overview. A well written piece with a moral cause.

With my best wishes

Your friend

James Hanna-Magill

[C.E.K. Nelson]

Dear Peter,
Thank you so much for taking time to write this wonderful and well thought out review of my work!! I agree that at times the artist's insight or commentary can become an important part of the art itself! I have never heard or read about Mervyn Peake- I am excited to investigate. Thank you again and have a wonderful weekend!!!
Sincerely and Best wishes,
C.E.K. Nelson

[James Hanna-Magill]

My pleasure, James

[C.E.K. Nelson]

James, I am so sorry I called you Peter...wasn't thinking!!!!!!! C

[James Hanna-Magill]

No worries. I get called all sorts! With a smile. James

[C.E.K. Nelson]

LOL!! Thanks for being so understanding!!!!!! Cheers!:)

[C.E.K. Nelson]

Dear James,
In your review of my work, you had mentioned that it might be nice to include drawing with your writings but you seemed uncomfortable with your ability. I would like to encourage you to continue drawing and pastels, etc. We are our own worst critic. This sounds cliche, but it is completely true. Art is subjective and many times the art in it's simplest form is the most powerful. I hope you will be inspired to explore and develop this aspect of your talent, and eventually share. Please remember that there are no mistakes in art or in the garden!
Cheers,
C.E.K. Nelson

[James Hanna-Magill]

Thank you so much for that. I'll keep on trying with the drawing with your inspiration, James

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, there is a sort of smile in the words, but beneath the surface a sadness because that love for wine can be so addictive that alcoholism becomes the smile turned upside down into the frown.

[C.E.K. Nelson]

So true!! Great comment- " smile turned upside down:) thank you for reading!!!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

oh yes, and the hockey game just got over...a redirect..and hawks finally win...what a last three periods.

[C.E.K. Nelson]

To much to bare! Glad it is over!

[Baby Ricochet]

Old Yiddish proverb. "Wine is a gift from God to gladden the hearts of men." It doesn't say anything about drinking a quart of Mad Dog and driving your car off a bridge.

[C.E.K. Nelson]

Not familiar with the proverb but it does gladden many hearts if consumed in moderation- including mine. Problem, we are all human, and being so, we tend to constantly fight our glutton tendencies that lead to dysfunction and disease. Thanks for reading!!!!

[Peter H]

i emphasize with this write because i too have uncle(s) that have falling into the addiction of alcoholism, and its not pretty to see them drink themselves to death good write

[C.E.K. Nelson]

Thank you for your review of my work! Like mine, I am so sorry that some of your family members have fallen victim to the horrible disease! I is very difficult but keep on loving and understanding! :)