I was inspired to write this poem after reading about people impacted by the lack of access to mental health care. So many struggled with mental health as well as accessing care during the pandemic. I thought about all those resorting to self-medicating to get through this time.

The Perfect Cocktail

Starts with gin

and a splash of the tonic

they gave me in

the bottle that

says do not crush

but I do anyway with

the handle of the knife

I used to cut myself and

the lemon slice

perched hopefully

on the edge of the glass

daring me

to jump