consumed by issues
and relentless pain;
unable to suppress,
what traveled my vein.

finally it happened,
i found an old friend;
night after night
they helped me to mend.

this buddy of mine
made the unbearable "ok".
helping me forget
what dogged me all day.

they made anger and guilt
a thing of the past,
for when i was with them
the hurt didn't last.

i no longer felt cheated
lied to and glum;
i was happy and cheerful
when out with this chum.

together us two
would have a ball,
til closing time;
or worse; "last call".

back under the bar
my genie would stay
hanging out in their bottle
til we met the next day.

enjoying the reunion
despite all the warning;
we seemed to be the object
of many folks scorning.

my real friends spoke harsh
of this companion of mine.
i strongly defended 'em
from accusations benign.

then i noticed things missing
and didn't want to believe
that my new companion
was my morals thieve.

our friendship ended abruptly
when i realized they stole;
my goodness and dignity
and left only my soul.

from my phony friend
i broke the chains;
and picked up the pieces
of my shattered remains.

taking the advice of my bro;
pick yourself up and go forth,
do the right thing
and gain back your "worth".

i can't change what's been done
only vow not to go back
determined and confident,
i'm on the right track