prescription

(go on ahead dear)
you light your cigarettes with gasoline
& watch your reflection burn

standing under f.l.i.c.k.e.r.i.n.g. neon
you’re trembling in the rain
clutching precious paper bag

shivering in my doorway (again)
unwilling (?) to step inside
but you let me lead you in

(go on ahead dear)
press that oh-so-temping button
self-destruction by prescription

scream at me scream: no no no
& your eyes slip shut (again)
why can’t you sing me to sleep?

12-11-06