Tally marks are used by many to count

the shots they’ve taken.

I use no measure to know how much

has been taken from this glass.

The liquid fills and swashes in my

empty stomach to take away the pain,

trailing fire.

The problems don’t go away but

I am reminded when the numbness

cools my throat.

I think of you.

The laughter and cheers

that you gave us so many years

of, but cancer took away. 

I drink to that.

Brown liquor meant for a snifter

but I drink from this anyways.

A reminder

I stop and recognize,

I can’t become an alcoholic

because shot glasses remind me of you.

I wish I was a smoker.

I build your collection

every so often;

like our little secret.

I put the glass back on the shelf.