Just One More

Then I’ll be what I’m supposed to be

Just one more, you whisper to the glass,
the promise of calm and shimmer.
Just one more, and the trouble will pass,
and the edges of the world grow dimmer.

Just one more, you told your child’s eyes,
when they asked if you’d come and play.
Just one more, the softest of your lies,
became the reason you stayed away.

Just one more, your hand says to the can,
forgetting to hold anything else,
not the steering wheel, or your lover’s hand,
not even the better version of yourself.

Just one more, and tomorrow you’ll quit,
and then you’ll make things right.
But tomorrow brings another hit,
and “one more” becomes every night.

Just one more, the mantra, the prayer,
the promise forgot once spoken.
Just one more, and you’ll start to care,
but you’re drowning in words left broken.

…

They found you counting... just one more...
while everyone you loved walked out the door.

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