Whiskey and Silence
by Phillip Hill
University of Arkansas
Phillip Hill is going into his senior year at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a major in Social Work and a minor in English. This will be his first publication for poetry which is his main focus as a writer. He lives in Little Rock, AR with his wife, two children, and two cats.
Whisky and Silence
“Worlds going to shit”, he said between drinks. The old wood paneled walls yellowed with the years of nicotine. The old fingers on his hands crisscrossed with the scars of someone who had lived. This was our ritual. We would drink and he would make a baseless yet profound proclamations. Wild statements that often were nothing more than incoherent mumblings of a drunk. Then, we would drink till it made sense or till the liquor refused to reside within us anymore.
“Religion is a scam! But only those ones that want you to love everyone…. you can’t love everyone…”. This one was easier than others to reconcile within myself. An inability to give a shit about certain people was something I could wrap my mind around. This was how we grew our understanding of one another. Him a father that had long sense lost the luster of a hero in my eyes. And me, a son who had become a man, a peer, a trusted friend but wasn’t really a son anymore.
These life lessons reeked of whisky and the staleness of air that clings to people on borrowed time. So many words said to take the place of so few that were sorely needed. Had we failed at caring enough for each other that we hid behind the warm amber burn, or did we care enough to leave things unspoken?
The heave within me leads me to conclude that ultimately, the point was moot when compared to the fiesta known as vomiting. If only it were as simple to get those forbidden words out into the open. I love you. Why didn’t you love us enough to fight the demons that plagued you? Could I have done more to ease the unease festering inside you? Is that why you drank so God Damn much towards the end?
And why, now that you are a pile of ash floating down the stream, why do I crave the taste of this same poison that put you in the ground? As if a part of me is missing without it pouring into me. A genetic gift that I wish so badly could be returned to the store.
These statements are all that are left of you. “The burn is how you know it’s good for you”. “The more you drink, the better it tastes”. And sadly Dad, you weren’t wrong.
Interview with the Author
What pieces inspired you to start writing poetry?
As a teenager, I stumbled upon Tony Barnstone’s Impure at a Goodwill store in central Arkansas, completely by chance. It was my first introduction to poetry, and what I discovered within its pages left a lasting impression on me. Barnstone’s exploration of complex themes and his mastery of the craft sparked a curiosity I hadn’t felt before—one that extended beyond just reading poetry. His work challenged me to think differently about self-expression, inspiring me to use writing as a way to delve into my own life experiences. While I didn’t fully grasp the depth of it at the time, I knew I’d found something that resonated on a meaningful level, something worth exploring further. Impure became more than just a book; it was the catalyst for a journey into understanding the power of language and the ways it can connect us to ourselves and others.
Though over the years I eventually lost that copy of Impure, its impact stayed with me. Years later, I purchased another copy, which now holds a special place on my shelf. It serves as a reminder of the spark that ignited my journey into poetry and the enduring influence of words that truly resonate
What theme do you find yourself constantly writing about in your works?
I tend to write about personal experiences as they are the ones that hold the most value and weight when creating.
What do you think are important elements in thought provoking poems?
In my view, the essence of any impactful writing lies in its ability to make the reader feel something—to draw them into a shared emotion and forge a connection, even if fleeting, through empathy. When a writer succeeds in evoking such a response on a fundamental level, they imbue their words with a soul. This intangible quality is what elevates a piece from being merely entertaining or well-crafted to becoming something transformative, capable of leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
Equally important is the writer's willingness to confront real life and the complexities it brings. Life is messy and rarely adheres to the rules of polished prose. A writer who dares to break free from traditional structures or formats, who explores feelings and experiences that may be raw or unpolished, creates work that resonates deeply. These honest reflections often linger in the reader's mind and invite them to confront their own truths. It is this combination of emotional authenticity and creative courage that makes writing truly unforgettable.
What role do you think poetry has on our society today?
Poetry, in its various forms, will always hold a place of significance in our society. What has evolved, however, is the medium through which these words find their way into the world. Today, we face both an incredible opportunity and a profound challenge when it comes to writing poetry. The challenge lies in the fact that our culture has shifted toward living through the small devices we hold in our hands. Interactions and connections are now primarily facilitated through social media or text messages, which can make relating to one another feel distant or even elusive to some.
However, if we reframe this challenge as an opportunity, we can recognize the immense potential that the internet offers—unlimited access to readers and an unparalleled ability to share your work with others who wish to engage with it. The act of connecting through shared words and emotions isn’t new, but in a world where physical interactions are often scarce, it carries even greater importance. If writing becomes the primary way we experience the feelings of others, doesn’t that make its significance all the more profound?
Quirk serves as a perfect example of this transformative power. I was able to submit something deeply personal to me, and having someone I have never met find value in it is the very reason I write poetry—to share and to connect.