One of the first times I
went to jail, it was in
Polk County for
public intox.
Drunk in public.
I was homeless for years,
where else was I supposed
to get drunk?
They took me to the
station booked me, and gave
me my phonecall.
I called the bail bonds.
They wanted collateral.
I didn’t have anything.
To act tough, I said,
“Fuck you.” and hung up.
The cop asked if I felt suicidal.
I didn’t but in my drunken
stupor, I said,
“I wish I were dead, you fucking pig.”
My next steps were to a small
room with a drain in the middle of
the floor. They had me strip all my
clothes off and gave me a paper gown.
It was the worst ten hours in jail I
ever spent.
Then, I did wish I was dead.
I was released the next morning.
Kind of sober, and kind of glad to
be alive.
I changed into my clothes.
I found two valiums in my back pocket.
I took them quickly and thought I
need to find a safer place to
get drunk.
You write this story with such clarity and weave it into an engaging scene that reaches out and rivets my attention. Great poem.
John
Thank you, John.
Powerfully penned, Thomas. Excellent storytelling my friend. Appreciate you.
Damian
Appreciate it Damian
You have expressed a real life tale with honesty and clarity.
I have been there. Got locked up for being drunk in public myself once.
I think I said to a police officer “Your a C…U…N…T. I didn’t say it i just spelt it out.
He didn’t understand. When he realised what I was saying I was thrown in the van.
I they took my clothes and gave me some grey prison scrubs. When I sobered up I started singing prison songs.
“He’s in the jailhouse now.” and Locked up by Akon. Some counties in England are stricker on booze than others. I have been out of my mind all over England, but Yorkshire was the place they locked me up. Don’t do it in Yorkshire.
Thanks for sharing this poem. I am glad to know I am not the only one.
regards
James
Thank you. Much appreciated.
This sounds like such a Midwest thing. Great telling of the night!
lol. Thanks
There’s always truth in the telling, release.
Very powerful, my friend.
Thank you so much.