awesome! *sigh* this is just ringing with truth (and your unmatched and unparalleled trademark rhythm/rhyme ;). the short lines in the middle paragraph were *so* effective. the third stanza in particular was exceedingly powerful. my favorite lines were "with latent woes," "a thrill in tow," "just one more hit/and i'll be fine," and "you were mine and i was free." very well-written poem, chico. nice work. :)