Anything for a Drink

Here is a link to my you tube channel where I read my poetry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Noa4ztEUFDA

We lived for the
next drink; the elixir to
erase the memories of
a thousand cruel dawns.
It took work when we
were broken and bedraggled.
Creativity and thirst drove
us through the day.

"Do you have anything to pawn?"

"Hey, why don't we stop by the
old carnival guy's place, he's
always good for a belt."

"Big Brenda will you give you a
10 spot to go down on her, 

are you
up for it?"

The s**t we did to stay liquid smooth.
We redeemed cans for nickels, It took
hundreds to get a bottle.
In and out of dumpsters filled with
the most vile trash imaginable.
Me and those aluminum cowboys,
knee-deep in the filth just to
get a drink.

Winter was bad, frostbitten hands and
hearts, but summer was worse.
Something about the way the sun
cooked the trash had a hellish putrid
effect on the soul.
That smell was the seed of my
sobriety.

Author's Note

Here is a link to my YouTube channel where I post poetry readings from my latest books, Sleep Always Calls, It's Just a Hop, Skip, and a Jump to the Madhouse and, Seedy Town Blues Collected Poems, they are all available on Amazon.
www.thomaswcase.com

Reviews

[Soren]

Sometimes we have to hit bottom to find our way up. The bottom of a dumpster is about as far down as I want to go although I have dove into a septic tank before and that was no fun in the heat of Florida summer. A grimy write the kind that appeals to me my friend

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, my friend. I appreciate it.

[Soren]

Most welcome Thomas

[kronskymikhail]

This piece hits like a confession carved from rusted memories — raw, honest, and painfully human. It captures the filth and poetry of survival, that desperate chase for numbness before redemption. The imagery lingers long after reading. Strangely, it reminds me how escape can take many forms — some softer, like unwinding at https://pinco-casino-ca.com , where luck feels cleaner than the past.

[Pete]

i've done canning and felt this. well told from the heart and soul as usual.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, my friend. I appreciate it.

[keith]

as one drunk to another
move on stop beating yourself up
stop writing about all the negatives
write about what you have achieved not what others wanted you to achieve
stand up friend ... it is a refreshing view (but not too fast ya could get dizzy! HAQ!)

from one drunk to another ... please

[Thomas W Case]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[John the Baptist]

I've wondered what rock bottom must be like, and this work has given me a clear picture. Many could not have risen above such an existence, but you did, Thomas, and because of your fine poetry, we are grateful you did.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, my friend. I appreciate it.

[hiren]

I think there is lot of waste too which was not cleared..
I feeling blue today after watching blue lotus feet ....

He smiles I laugh ...only laugh stays ..

Suffering struggle and nothing else..

I think blue lotus is grown in Himalayas ..I heard .
I am with Neiv and Neha ..

Jessy Jacob

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you. I appreciate you commenting.

[Neville]

I'm with Neha mate .. and no kidding ..👍

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you my friend.

[Neha agrawal]

This poem is a powerful portrayal of struggle and survival, showing how harsh realities and desperate actions blend together to numb pain.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you so much.

[red93]

So glad you have seen the light and kicked the demon alcohol Thomas. You really bring home the degradation of alcoholism in this Excellent Piece. Exceptional ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you. Much appreciated.