Only Once

I once had hints of brilliance

and I could have been a star.

But the hopeful flicker

was drowned in liquor

and went out in the bar.

I once had giants for parents

they were huge for doing right.

But for all their strength

I sank at length

from the warmth of their sight.

I once was decked with self-respect,

my name akin to gold.

But the drink, it dried

me up inside

and cast me from the fold.

I once had friends with common sense

all guides and meaning well.

But they left in tears

when they couldn't steer

me from this road to Hell.

Poems must include the writer's name, phone number and address. They should be kept to no more than 300 words. Submission of a poem does not guarantee publication. Poems may be e-mailed to news@peninsulaclarion.com, faxed to 283-3299, delivered to the Clarion at 150 Trading Bay Road or mailed to P.O. Box 3009, Kenai, AK 99611.