I am happy to announce my poem “Rancid Blood” was selected by James Bertolino for his new project an Alcohol Poem Anthology. More details to post later. Stay tuned!
My bio reads: Shannon Laws is a World Peace Poet and non-profit radio producer in Bellingham, Washington. Her family has an intense, repetitive history with the disease of alcoholism and addiction. The current generation, more aware and supportive than any previous, keeps a loving eye on the next.
Rancid Blood
“Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?”
And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him.”
-Luke 8:30, New King James Version
You sit across the table and smile
Eyes dark, glazed, fingers tap the table
As I search for words
What is your name?
A worm crawls inside
Eats the innards, of a rotten, soggy soul
You are dead, the you I knew
Died years ago
If only I could cast out demons
And send them to swine,
Alcohol no longer your blood
So sorry, but I have no words
The sight of you has stolen them
All I can do is hold your hand
I cannot climb your mountain
I cannot walk your path
I cannot fight your fight
This is a demon you must
Cast out of Yourself
Everyday
shannon p. laws 