The booze talking ?

Whenever newspapers or websites lack drink, I often turn to nytimes.com for the possibility of something interesting or inspiring.

Today, in clicking on a link to a feature asking Condoleezza Rice about what President Obama will inherit, I was taken to a page that also had a link to a story entitled "What Is Art For?"

I chose to read the art story instead.

I guess I am really interested in art.

That piece - which I am still in the middle of - is mostly about writer and intellectual Lewis Hyde. I was interested enough in Lewis Hyde, a one-time McCarther Genius, and then learned that one of the works he is famous for is: "Alcohol and Poetry: John Berryman and the Booze Talking". Just the kind of idea I am preoccupied with these days - as are you, my fellow drinkers...

I love those kind of cosmic coincidences.

Anyways...the work is described as such:

"This pamphlet won the first Pushcart Prize for its remarkable exploration of alcoholic addiction as a disease of "spirits." Beginning with spiritual thirst as the human desire to move with powers greater than oneself, Lewis Hyde asks and answers what would compel anyone to become addicted to intoxication rather than inspiration. John Berryman's poetry provides the imagination of alcoholism."

I guess the only difference for me (perhaps I am in denial?) is that I don't see my "alcoholic addiction" as a problem.

As you know - I see drink as a partner, a friend, a brother and perhaps a mentor to the drink within.

But perhaps I am in denial?

I haven't read the Hyde piece but I have real doubts - atleast in my case - whether "it" really is the booze talking.

Somedays - in some situation - the very same, equally powerful, intoxicating and joyous drink rises up in me, even when I have not had a "drink".

It happened this morning for instance when I arrived at the hockey rink at 8am with my son and the sun lit up a tall golden-leafed tree just outside the doors of the arena. The sight of that tree, against the grey and white sky, in the midst of real quiet and crisp November air - filled me up for much of the day.

It was just so surprisingly beautiful - and powerful.

I felt that and saw that and yet I had not had a drink. I mean who drinks in the morning but "alcoholics" right?