*
Kenley Kegler is a senior photography major at Endicott College. She is from Ridgefield, Connecticut, and has enjoyed creative writing since she was in high school. Her poetry is inspired by people close to her that have made an impact on her life and is dedicated to those who struggle with alcohol addiction.

Liquid Poison

Kenley Kegler

So easy to get, we just walk into the store, show our ID, and walk out.
All around us, we see people, throwing back shots,
Sipping from cans, pouring a glass of wine.
It’s the norm for us here,
We never tend to question someone having a drink.
But I do.

I watch as alcohol takes over.
One clear glass of 1800 Tequila, turns into 4.
The whole glass gone multiple times over by the end of the night
Leaving its victim helpless, wanting more and more.
They can’t go to sleep without downing a drink
Wincing at the taste of pure alcohol burning their throat as it goes down.

3:00 A.M. and their body starts to shake.
Heart rate rising, withdrawals setting in.
Small nerves turn into a full blown panic attack
Their body begging for another drink just to keep it going.

Another glass klinks on the counter as it is set down.
A few minutes pass and their body levels out
Back to functioning as usual.
The cycle continues day after day
Hard to escape even when it is most wanted.

Something so easily accessible, ruining lives
Turning young wild minds into dependent ones.
Not able to go about their day without the feeling of alcohol in their system.
Support from others can only do so much.
You want to do everything you can, to stop them from drowning,
To save them.
But you can’t.

— Kenley Kegler

________________________________________
To have your work considered for the Lyrical send it to:
Doug Holder, 25 School St.; Somerville, MA 02143
dougholder@post.harvard.edu