The Last Drop

There is a moment between the last drop and the first that is almost palpable. Two ticks of the second hand. One long blink. The time it takes to inhale.

In that fleeting moment I try to remember the steps to the dance, the words to the song...how to smile.

If I tilt my head just right or laugh in just that particular way I did when we first met maybe you will see me.

There is a moment between the last drop and the first that is almost palpable. The buzz before the lightbulb dies. The time it takes the tear to fall. The time it takes to exhale.

In that trembling moment I remember. I never knew the steps to the dance, the words to the song... how to smile.

I’ve tilted my head so much I’m standing on it and I’ve laughed so much it sounds like a scream in disguise.

All you see is the first drop of the next drink. All you hear is the craving, the addiction calling your name. It’s okay. I’ll wait for the moment between the last drop and the first.