One Breath to Breathe

…and so they claimed another one,

this time a frail, reclusive visionary

who exhausted every song along with every vein

by pouring in his liquid demons,

swimming through his blood and thoughts

like the un-adoring millions bludgeoning his name.

he takes in all his inhibitions through

his lungs, his nose, his veins,

like the coldest winter chill,

forcing to remain

so tired, too tired…

to breathe one final breath, to breathe

a gift.

inhale and take it in.

to breathe one final breath, to breathe...

and if you take this breath,

you may have one again.

Does this make you turn your back?

Does this tell you to hide inside yourself?

Does this make you turn away?

Does this needle,

Does this needle in your arm allow you...

…and when I see myself in this,

do I see me crawling like you

in your final lonely hour, gasping for a peace?

And if you don't like what you see,

dig the needle deep this time

and let this tiny budding flower breathe your last release.

You grasp at this sour salvation,

smelling like your rotten flesh,

and as the blood runs cold and stiff,

this is when you cease…