the shopping spree

i see my therapist
at the liquor store pushing a shopping
cart.

she's moving slowly through
the aisles
putting bottles into her basket.

vodka, rum. wine. gin.

i finally catch up to her and say
hey.

she looks at her cart and then
at me.
oh, she says, fancy
meeting you here.

how are you?
much better i tell her, showing
her my green bottle
of Tanqueray. then my ringless
finger.

and you?

she laughs, good for you,
and points at
her cart.

it's been a tough year, I've had
a lot of crazy patients
this year,

no offense,
none taken, i tell her.

but
lately with the holidays
and all, everyone is completely
off their rocker.

family issues and all that bs.

yup, i say. well, nice to see you.
i might need a tune up
after the holidays.

you got it, she says. just give
me a call. I got a line out
the door these days.

do you know where the scotch is?