Ten Years Sober

LOPEZ TACO HOUSE
Albion, Michigan

A giant sombrero hangs over the door
while black-velvet senoritas
in colorful peasant blouses
still smile coyly from the walls.

I confess that forty-five years ago 
I came here frequently, after last call 
next door at The Rusty Hinge.

"I don't drink anymore," I added,
an unprompted apology for chaos
sown long before my server was born.

"I've been saved, too," she said.

"I'm not saved, just sober."

She looked confused, then smiled.
"Yeah, sober," she said, "Same thing."

Choose the green sauce if you dare; it lingers.

I took my last drink of alcohol on August 14, 2012, after making numerous unsuccessful attempts at sobriety before that date. It’s never too late. You won’t believe how good it feels to wake up without a hangover. Help is available but you’ve to ask for it and be willing to accept it. Life is good.

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