don't start drinking

when
it was over, your father
told you,
in his awkward way to not
start drinking.
the thought had never occurred
to you.
there's more
fish in the sea, he said,
searching
for something wise to give you,
something he had never
heard or been told
before.
quickly after these words
of wisdom were dispelled,
he changed the subject
to football,
where he was comfortable
and safe
from your sadness.