THE SOBER OLD DRUNK

whiskey was his drug of choice. he hardly
ever deviated; only when money
got too awful tight and he had to settle
for cheap vodka with red labels by the half
gallon (a liter point seven five, he would
be quick to tell you). scotch, of course was his
favorite, occasionally irish whiskey
and twice a year cognac was his special
reward. but then his body started to shut
down and he started to attend meetings.

that first step was easy, but he kept trip-
ping on the second—higher power, my ass,
he was wont to say—then his heart . . . and now
he sponsors with twenty years sobriety.