Seventy Percent Proof

What came first

The bottle or the glass

The bottle

Seventy percent proof

Thirty percent doubt

That always made her laugh

The proof of doubt

The glass half full

Her life half empty

There was a time

Once upon a time, there was a time

But that was then, and this is now

God, how poetic was she

That deserved a drink

Or maybe three

The neon sign across the road

Jesus saves

It shone a light

Well, it did at night

Which was alright

Cos electricity was really tight

The bottle seemed to disappear

Not a trickle, not a tear

Jesus saves across the road

Shining bright 

In the night

Seventy percent proof

He existed just to say

Thirty percent doubt

She would have laughed

Maybe a tear

But like the bottle

Sadly, she was no longer here.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I love the bright creativity in your opening ramble about percents & all the rest. That's your special brand of cleverness at its best. The entire poem pops off the page (((HUGS)))

[emmajoy]

A finely written but tragic poem and an even more tragic comparison! Have known and know a few who have taken a long lease on life in a bottle. Also, there are people who sip their comfort via holy communion or take comfort via peace and comfort from their own source, creed. Proof of truth is what is held best it can be, doubt is often an excuse. Tis cheaper to take advantage of that space than to buy booze, perhaps. The words, 'Jesus saves' wherever they are - are but letters, neither miracles nor magic - any more than liquor is. This is such a sad, sad piece of writing

[Paul Bell]

The drink has taken a lot of great people, even people around us who thought they could control it, not realising the drink controlled them.

[Coyote Poetry]

I did like this poem Paul. You twisted a logical theory. In my lifetime. I try to find wisdom in the drink. I didn't learn much. "Seventy percent proof, Thirty percent doubt". I do like those words. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Paul Bell]

The drink does take you on some journey, good or bad.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree Paul. Sometime I need the whiskey. Calm down the screaming mind.

[Betty Hermelee]

This a sad poem, with great contrasts; if the glass or the bottle is looked at as half empty instead of half full. It seems like she may have drank herself to death, ... and Jesus doesn't save anybody in my opinion, no matter where the signs are.... Seems like she was creative but troubled, and no one could save her. I've seen young people die from liver disease....even she would have laughed had she heard J say 30 percent doubt. The scene is really well described.
Best, B.
Well done.

[Paul Bell]

Drink is just so readably accessible, probably why it kills millions.

[Betty Hermelee]

Sad and especially with young people, thanks always Paul for your very rich poetry, and for being a friend.
Best,
B.

[Marina]

I am inclined towards the percentage more being 30% (or less) that Jesus Saves. A bottle and it's liquor is at least tangible. It's interesting that so many drinkers congregate around churches. Like they are trying to decide to seek help but can't repel the hold of the liquor. And the liquor most often wins the battle as you have written. Sad but true. 💛

[Paul Bell]

Yes, just that final step to redemption. Life is cruel. How's things with you.

[Marina]

Busy, busy. Dodging Anti Vax protesters some days.

[Paul Bell]

What is wrong with those people.

[Dave Brown]

I like the "Jesus Saves" contrast.
Just see it all unfolding outside a skid road hotel
Very nicely done

[Paul Bell]

They do tend to be outside seedy hotels.

[Shelley Warner]

I like your imagery. The Jesus Saves sign across the street contrasting with the woman and the bottle of whiskey. By the way, I once worked in an elementary school and the principal, who was wonderful with kids, was named Paula Bell.

[Paul Bell]

Wonder if she's my long-lost cousin.

[Shelley Warner]

LOL, maybe so.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

I enjoyed this read Paul. Anytime art makes us think or feel on a deeper level then as a writer you have done a very good job. Thank you for sharing this poem.

[Paul Bell]

Pleasure, Carlos, glad you enjoyed it.

[mattavelli]

Hello, Paul! :)
This was a run read. I wonder how much sense it would make after a few drinks at 70%. Thanks for sharing.

[Paul Bell]

Think I wrote it after a few drinks. lol