What it Does to You

By Natalie Anderson

First Place Creative Nonfiction Winner of The Makeshift Review's Writing Contest 2021

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I hate seeing what it does to people Makes liars and cheats So much time, money, and life spent on something you don't need I hate seeing brilliant people Hide wine boxes between their sheets And hide vodka in a water bottle as if they're so unique You could be much more than this bottle You could be much more, can't you see? Don't you want more than this apartment? Roommates that come and go? Don't you want more than this dead end job? To finish that degree from long ago? I hate seeing what it does to people Secrets and dependency Turns the most brilliant of boys Into someone my parents can't meet I hate feeling what it does to people I hate how you talk when you drink The cavalier way you treat life When you could do anything I know it can't go away completely And I know it's unrealistic to ask or expect But you’re in my prayers every evening Pray you'll find yourself some self-respect Because I want for you more than this apartment And I know you could do it if your heart was in it

You could do anything that's who you are You just gotta push beyond the bar

You played the odds now we all pay the cost All the things you could’ve done Are just gone

Are just lost