southern comfort

he found
early morning comfort
in the pint
of amber
southern comfort, first
in line
at the drive-thru
package store, his
money, grasped
in his shaking hand.
the sun peeking
up over
the rooftops of town.
we watched him,
his car idling,
with our books and bags
at the bus
stop, and waved
our hand,
wondering what time
he'd be home.