[James Brancheau]

I was going back and forth on variations of “how I hid my prowess for drinking,” but ultimately decided that “never did catch wind” was sufficient to suggest that that was a possibility. But I’m not 100% sure my choice was correct...


I’m very pleased that this is working for you, Phil. And, yes, that was one of the very last areas I was messing around with before I posted the poem. I’m considering your suggestion—“along” might just be very nice there. And it does more than one thing. Thanks a bunch.

Oh I’m happy that you see this as understated, Hilary. It’s not exactly my thing and I so much wanted that here. Or at least more so, for this poem. I think the only part of this that I manufactured was the plant. I believe it was real. (So I’m chuffed that this resonated for you.) Glad that you liked the poem. Thank you.

That’s shocking, and profoundly sad, Glenn. Sorry to hear that. But happy to hear that you’ve gone another way. I was very much the exception in my family. I was drinking a lot, and about everyday that time of my life. I don’t drink anymore—I can’t, or it’s not recommended. Maybe for special occasions… I don’t think that I’m chemically dependent, however. Even before my health issues, I could just drop it and not think at all about it. During the 5 or 6 month lockdown, or semi-lockdown, here in Taipei, I didn’t drink at all. Not a glass. I didn’t see the point of staying home and passing out on the couch. (Going out and then passing out on the couch, another thing entirely...) Weed, on the other hand, was made for lockdowns.

I didn’t anticipate that, David. But I think that I get your reaction to that moment of the poem. It is a rather blunt thump. I went with it because there’s something very family about it. At least my family. I’m happy that this works for you overall, and I am open to possible alternatives for the moment in question. Thanks very much.