the first step

stepping gingerly onto
the first step
of a wobbly ladder
to get a box
of christmas decorations
out of the closet
a bottle of brandy
slips out of a stocking
and hits you on the head,
knocking you out.
you fall to the floor with
ornaments all over you,
tinsel too. the bottle
of brandy breaks
which soaks you as you lie
there unconscious
in a puddle of whiskey.
when you awaken you are
on the couch surrounded
by your family, your son,
your physician,
and priest. your mother
is crying into her hands,
your father has a smirk
on his face. your therapist
nancy is holding your
hand, smiling, nodding
as you awaken.
someone has put a cup
of hot coffee
in front of you.
there is an ice
bag on your forehead.
it's going to be okay
she says, we are all
here to help you. first
you must admit that
you have a problem.