M.Labuschagne is a South African lawyer and poet currently residing in the United Kingdom. He has published poetry, short fiction and personal essays. 

The Liver is the Drinker’s Conscience

Johan Labuschagne

the liver is
		the drinker’s	
		conscience
a suspension of disbelief;
a final consequence
- I lifted a glass to the dry tears
of my son
at a loveless hole
for a lifeless box –
I drink to your happiness,
my boy