The day I drank the bottle
He was customer
23

Not a record
Not a mention
Often 40 or more for me.

He slapped me once.
I felt a slight sting
Though he struck like a spooked horse
Stamping round the ground.

Swollen flesh
Hot to touch
Means a dollar to me.

20 more bruises I shall be able to pay my room fee.

On this day I thought a thought.
A mistake
Any day.

I thought of not the current lumps and sore bits and today – but on to tomorrow’s pain.

When I did

God rest my soul

I drank the bottle whole.