The ice sparkles and pops

Into a quivering glass.

Fever clenches it tightly.

This time it will pass.

Two hands will be better

While it's carried to the table.

Where a half-empty stands.

Its contents disclosed by the label.

Strangling it, as death

Stretches forth its Eagle claws.

Impossible to stop the demand, 

As it passes through its jaws.

Amber color gurgles forth

Till it sloshes o'er the rim.

Ice buoys to the top.

It and ice collide with vim.

Tongue slithers across pale lips,

Anticipating the burn to come.

Obscene thoughts creep in

"How despicable it's become".

It started as a dare;

To join the crowd.

The glowing seductive feeling

Washed over and cried aloud.

It seemed to last forever,

Enticing another swig.

Oh! What an ecstatic singing

Swamped the brain with a zag and zig.

There were so many back then.

Yea, such a long time ago.

The singing stopped forever,

Stolen by lots of dough.

It sloshed as it drew closer.

Please don't spill one drop.

It vowed "Only one sip."

Started and could not stop.

Chugged till the amber vanished.

Survived shreds of ice.

A searing glance;

Terror seized like a vise!

Empty! Eyes grimaced, tears flowed.

Wrenching cries exploded out.

Penniless!

Knowing a long long drought.

The thump thump abruptly stopped.

Down collapsed the frame.

No longer misfired signals.

No one knew its name.