collection of  Florence Rodriguez

Endless Possibilities

(Graphite and soft lead pencil on Bristol board)

In March of 1985, at thirty-two years of age,

I nearly lost my life to alcoholism.*

During this self destructive, suicidal period of my life

I was no stranger to passing out and lying in the streets and alleyways of

Boston’s South End district. 

In 1995, after ten years of life without alcohol, I executed this piece.

It is for me a snapshot of how my life could have ended.

A reminder of how the choices we make shape,

and possibly end, our lives.

Each time I pass a brother or sister in these “dire straights”

I am taken immediately and painfully back to the reality that was my life.

I am reminded that I am never very far from that experience,

that our lives are truly very fragile. 

This piece helps to keep me from getting too far ahead of myself.

It has served me well as a tool to help keep my perspective in balance.

* I entered an alcoholic rehabilitation center in March of 1985 in Upstate New York. I have lived alcohol free since.