My Story

My childhood was unremarkable, some good some bad.
Then we had our summer together, so special and sweet.
Fear held me back, I couldn't let her know how special.
I became her platonic friend, while my heart held hope for more.
We wrote letters fall semester, holding back for in person.
Later, drunk, I kissed her and said 'I love you';
she responded 'I don't love you'; thought of killing myself.
Partying followed – drinking, drugging, playing games.
Drinking helped to forget, drugs reminded, so I drank.
Soon drinking dominated my life, make sure I always had some on hand.
English or Physics major, science and poetry.
Speed and beer my muse, beer always my solace.
Somehow able to finish my BS, dropping out of grad school.
Get a numbers job, think of return to school, now geophysics.
Year without work off to Colorado for more study.
Campus bars again, take in program listings or play darts -
could keep score even when almost falling down.
Another drunken degree done, off for first real job.
Lose job find another and start in AA, good for 4 months.
In and out a couple of years, finally start on program.
Jubilant after first year sober, full of life.
Find woman who's now my wife.
Job, marriage, and sobriety now well in their 20's,
son in grad school and not a drunk like his dad before.
Got a PhD, first sober degree, life now free.
You too can have this freedom,
just practice one day at a time.

Dramatic Monologue (6)