Darkness presses in,

my eyes strain to form

remnants of a conscious mind.

But nothing is conjured except

empty, unknown

black.

Out

in the fluorescent world

my sight sharpens

with a piercing blow.

Head throbbing,

soul rotting.

I wade heavily

toward the lighthearted shrieks

of the abstained,

but burning pasts

rise from my chest

yearning to purge themselves.

I burst into the blazing temple

where he sits, pure and silent.

I fall to my knees

before his faceless being

finally safe within the walls

of his confessional.

Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.

Bowing my head,

I expel and spew

last night’s immoralities.

I cleanse myself

of sins

and debaucheries.

Mute, yet receptive,

cold, yet comforting,

like Pietà’s embrace,

he is still

as I confess

my misdeeds.

His mercy endures forever.

I lift my face,

trembling,

salty tears stinging

my chapped lips,

as I gasp

my contrition.

“I’m never drinking again.”