He Drank

– Robert L. Temple

He drank his way around this biosphere
The thought of sailing the Pacific rim
Was but a dream of alcohol for him;
Tequila, sake, pulque, whiskey, beer,
Wine, brandy, mead, cassis, and schnapps were cheer
He treasured. Being sober, not one slim
Chance of more than one brief interim.
His life was drink: consumer without peer.

One day we left a special precious drink
With him. Oh, foolish trust. We did not think
His thirst would make him treasonous! I am
Here to tell you he gave not one damn.
As friend he drove us clear out of our wits:
Within an hour he’d drunk our slivovic.