Situation: Paul (late twenties/early thirties) talks about his unemployment and alcohol problems. He drinks vodka throughout his speech.

I used to think that there was a thing called a perfect world. In this perfect world everyone would have a decent paying job, be able to make ends meat and have a beautiful lady by their side. It is funny how some things don't work out as you dream.

No, no, no, don't get me wrong. The part about a beautiful lady, well I have one. And she is a looker! Her name is Joanne, and she is smart, really smart with legs to die for. We have been married for two years.

Things really started to go downhill for Joanne and me after I injured my back. I lost my job and my only friend was the bottle. I spent many years with many bottles. Night after night I would be pissed out of my mind and I wouldn't know who I was. I don't remember much about those cold nights, where I sat on the couch in front of the tv and drank. However, I do remember the colour red and the sound of tears. Joanne always got in the way of my fist somehow, but she always said that it was her fault. Joanne would say that she said something bad or was in the wrong place at the wrong time and that she deserved it.

Well, that is what she used to say. Now, however, her tune has changed. I woke up this morning and found a note from Joanne saying that she has gone away and will not come back until I have a steady job and become sober.

Damn it! She knows that how hard it is for a guy like me to get a good paying job. I only have high school and I'm injured. Those are two strikes against me in the employment game. Maybe I should have gone to collage like my parents wanted me to. And maybe I should have trained for something other than a factory job. But no, I used to work in a factory and then for other people doing odd jobs, and now the jobs are gone and Joanne is gone and my life is ruined if Joanne leaves for good and I have no one to turn to……. but my friend alcohol.

What is Joanne on anyway? Why the sudden change? And why doesn't she get off her butt and get a job? I have to do all the work around here. She'll be back. So much for that perfect world of mine.

C. Clarke
March '98

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