New Crazy Dog Songs, #5: Smoker’s Aria

to light it is to make
a bet that could always be the last
(though you will never know)

to sip from it
is to suck on
a poker chip

choke a bit as you swallow
feel the roll of it
over the back of the throat

this is your last stake
you could have saved it for
a proper gamble

but you put it on black
and let it ride
knowing the house always wins

but what the hell when
the house always wins
what’s the big deal about losing

no one ever gave you a promise
that it wouldn’t hurt a bit
when at last you’re tossed out the back door

pockets inside out
collar ripped at the points
and pants wet with your own release

until that moment
when they tell you
not to come back here ever again you deadbeat you bum

at least if you smoke
you have something to do
with your terrified hands