The Elm 2016-2017 2017 The Elm Literary Magazine | Page 24

BROTHER
by Josh Hall
Mumbled laughter, glasses clinking,
whiskey stains on the sandalwood floor.
Gathered ‘round the bartender,
they pray to the tap for more.
Church days filled with sorrow,
families clutching one another,
dark lace distorting their faces,
crimson pouring from their brother.
Preachers cursing evil;
the Devil is a sheep with fangs,
preying on the Feeble --
Alcohol, the noose from which they hang.
“Careful all who hear,
the saccharine voice of consternation;
don’t dare tread near,
the dreaded gates of Hell!”
For drinking late at night solves little,
You have a wife at home,
a child almost grown,
step away from Hell’s door.
Please, brother,
drink no more.
Untitled
Kiernan Lynch
9th Grade
Colored pencil
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