Spreading The Disease

The sobering effects of alcoholism

  

It was a nightly routine

For a young boy with dreams

Door slamming, playtime ending

All the sudden I wasn’t Superman

With booze on his breath

And a belt in his hand.

 

Before I’d sleep I’d pray

I would have the strength to survive

And be a man unlike him.

 

Spreading the disease

It is him, is it me

Spreading the disease

I need the cure, help me please.

 

It was a daily routine

Living my life in clouded denial

Downing whiskey for recreation

Till a night of flashing blue lights

With my son on life support

I sobered up by his side.

 

Forgoing sleep I just prayed

He would make it through the night

So he can grow up not like me.

 

Spreading the disease

That is me, please not him

Spreading the disease

I lost the cure, help me please.

 

It was a constant routine

Partying up in a college atmosphere

Drinking games till the sun came up

Then came the morning he never woke up

When the tearful call came I knew

I passed on my sickness

 

Forever sleeping I just prayed

God would not forsake him

For the mistakes I made.

 

Spreading the disease

I passed it on, what have I done

Spreading the disease

The only cure came at a price.

 

Author's Note

The sobering reality of alcoholism and how it can be passed on to the children

Reviews

[closed account]

A very powerful message here, I am sure many can relate even if they don't want to admit it! I love poetry that has a hidden meaning, that has truth and provides a relation to someone, I know many who have a problem in drinking my father had one and thank God to this day he is a very sober man for the past 10 years. I hope this can help someone and help then wake up before it's too late!! Amazing, and well done.

;-)

[Ellen Hammond]

Wow! Dale, you really hit the nail on the head with this sobering poem. Too often, those of us who grew up determined to not follow in the footsteps of our parents, even tough we avoid drinking too much and/or too frequently, wind up marrying an alcoholic. Perhaps that is due to learned behavior coupled with a fear of the unknown. We learned to cope with alcohol abuse as well as other abuses it tends to lead to, so in a way, that is our comfort zone, even though it is not really comfortable and we may not realize it until too late.

Thanks for posting this very thought provoking, reality check.

[Sheila Kline]

A most sobering look at a disease that controls the lives of so many of its victims - both the alcoholic as well as those who are associated with the person who is the addict.
As with drug addiction, or any other of the many maladies that are part of addictions - gluttony, sexual, nicotine, spending, and on and on, the cycle is often so very difficult to break as it is a legitimate disease as so many medical studies are now proving. Unfortunately, the gene may be present to pass it on, and in some cases, it is proven that learned, observable behavior is also passed on.
You have brought this to light in a most remembering of ways!
An excellent write!!

[Dragon Witch]

Ouch! this is so true! Many times pple forget or deny the consequences. Abusive alcoholics are also not funny. Someone has to break the cycle! You captured the spirit of the whole event so well.Well done. It is a hard subject.And unfortunately one that is rife.

[Anita B Jacques]

I was on the sideline and watch, listen and see, completely out my control, dealing with it just the same. From a small child to I was 45, one of the lucky ones when my husband stop, it was bad, real bad , a matter of life and death. First treat the depression with chock treatments, quitting the booze was easy then. My poor dad never did, a little drinking problem we would say. God Bless you.

[Wildfleour]

This is a very powerful piece, Dale. Unfortunately, I, like Bud can relate to this.

[Lizanne]

I will not be able to say this is a beautiful writing. I will say it is a sobering write. I am a pro on alcoholism and admire anyone who can take the cure and stick with it, before tragedy strikes. It can be hereditary. Other diseases such as bipolar and schizophrenia contribute to this disease. Those suffering from these depilating emotional issues use alcohol to self medicate themselves, so they "feel" they can function in society. The alcohol only masks the disease for so long then it becomes a plane spiraling out of controll that takes everybody in its path down with it. I am now getting off the soap box and will say I think it is a tremendously adult move that you made by addressing this subject.

[An owl on the moon]

What a powerful, moving message. Feels and flows so lyrically, conveying the haunting image of alcoholism and its effect on those we love. Amazing write!

[Southern Siren]

I'm speechless. Chilling. Something everyone with a substance abuse issue should read.

[An Ordinary Woman]

Wow. Yes very sobering indeed. And timely too because of the upcoming holiday. Maybe your beautiful words will save a life.

[Winter McPherson]

Very deep and serious look at this disease. Such a sad reality. The confusion of who he is - is he his father or himself, who he is? - you captured well here. I hear the confusion all through it. Very timely piece right around a holiday where there will be a lot of drunk drivers on the road. Thanks for the reminder! Let's hope that no one has to sober up by looking at a dead little boy - either their own or someone else'!