The Light And The Banquet

As I sat on the porch of my humble abode in Queens, the weight of the world felt like it rested solely on my shoulders. My marriage to Brenna hung in the balance, the distance between us growing each day, even as we tried to mend the cracks that had formed. I knew, deep down, that my inability to curb my alcohol intake was a significant roadblock in our path to reconciliation. Our days had become a seesaw of emotions, a constant battle between the love we shared and the destructive force of my intoxication. The chaos of our relationship mirrored the turmoil I felt within, and I couldn’t seem to find a way to slow down the whirlwind. On that particular evening, I found myself seated in a rocking chair on my porch. The rhythmic creaking of the chair was almost soothing, a gentle reminder of simpler times. In my hands, I clutched a plastic bag, the weight of its contents familiar and comforting. Inside were cans of Coors Light and Banquets, the perfect combination for anyone trying to drown their sorrows on a budget. As the rocking chair swayed back and forth, the cold aluminum cans pressed against my skin, a stark contrast to the warmth radiating from the setting sun. I couldn’t help but contemplate how these two beers had become my go-to choice as of late. Coors Light, with its crisp and refreshing taste, was like a brief escape from the heaviness of my reality. It was a momentary reprieve, a chance to pretend that everything was okay, even if just for a fleeting instant. On the other hand, the Banquets were a different kind of experience altogether. They were heavier, more robust in flavor, a reminder of the weight I carried with me every day. This beer wasn’t an escape; it was a tether, grounding me to the harsh reality of my existence. Together, these two beers created a bittersweet symphony that played out in my mouth, a dance between fleeting relief and the ever-present darkness. I popped open a can, the familiar hiss and crack signaling the start of another night spent in a haze. The cool liquid slid down my throat as I took my first sip, the taste both comforting and damning. I stared out into the fading daylight, my thoughts consumed by the ever-growing chasm between Brenna and me, and the role my drinking played in it all. With each passing moment, each swig of beer, I could feel the distance between us stretching further and further, an unspoken understanding that the choices I was making now would have lasting consequences. My heart ached with the knowledge that my drunken ways were blocking the blessings in my life, yet I couldn’t find the strength to break free from their grasp. The rocking chair creaked beneath me, a mournful melody accompanying my descent into yet another night of self-destruction.