cigarette blues

sandbag eyelids heavy with dust
braced tight defenses stay squeezed shut
frustration hyperventilation desperation
clenched fists jaw taut teeth grind
the brick’s kiss bruises knuckles
nicotine hypodermic clamped lips
flaming injection of addictions prescription
inhale focused mind
exhale man on a mission
looking for a cold meal on a rainy night
insatiable appetite of the bottomless abyss

Go hit the bars, gut not looking for food
one scotch two scotch rotgut door
moving on implacable can’t stand still
dowsing for whiskey with dollars spent
trying to drown in his element
some kind of sick atonement
self martyrdom is an ugly mask
self flagellation is a thankless task
self destruction is good while it lasts

at the third fifth, unexpected breath caress
a tendril of smoke seduces fingertips and lips
twining, lounging, laying languorously lethal
dangerous dame wicked eyes and a smoky voice
drifting away spiraled, stretching, showing beckoning
incredible whorls worlds lost in the folds and curves
oblivion when the first taste hits the lips

ash is the bastard child of smoke
a broken home flicked into an ashtray
the coal remains, naked pain creeping closer
desperately draw down desire, lovers are liars
lying, alone together in the remains of the fire