my dad’s trying to stop me drinking myself stupid
but I was born stupid
I always knew it
deep down
no correction
could ever improve this

I love that sweet scent
that cool embrace
comfortable in my body
when the liquor gets a taste
of my craving brain
there’s nothing depraved
about 5 cans on a Tuesday

I was born this way

Simon Alderwick is a poet from London. His work has been featured or is forthcoming in Eye Flash, Seiren, Near Window, Dust, Whatever Keeps The Lights On, Riot Act and Raised Brow Press, among others. He is on Twitter @SimonAlderwick