methamphetamine haiku set

Cherry

By seannelson

Sat, 03 Mar 2012
  • 1378 reads
5 comments
 

(author's note: I wrote this haiku set during my first and at this time singular experiment with methamphetamine.  I'm a Gonzo veteran who's experienced a dizzying diversity of drugs, but meth's initial euphoric high was dazzling and creatively empowering, but the euphoria burned itself out after 12 hours long before the drug supply and the following down was harsh and darkly depressive.  Nonetheless, methamphetamine is a very popular drug in America and Adolf Hitler has not been the only "intelligent" individual to embrace it as a drug of choice.  And I've known a few far far more compassionate than Hitler...  giving, loyal, functional people actually.  But beware of this drug- it's a dragon.  I instead recommend ephedra or m.p.a. flying powder to anyone already inclined to take a strong stimulant.)

 

 

I've finally tried
the Satan drug, bony Greek
"corrupter of youth"

friend shows me the craft:
grinding, shaping the thin line
snorting hard... blast off!

snort, burn, snort, burn, snort
like a jackal on the kill
blood drips unheeded

this epic feeling
like love, applause, or true verse...
"questionable shape" - (Hamlet)

have I planted a
weak poisonous seed to steal
my trickling water?

no, ha, I was dead
already... dead frightened to
make a manly noise

a dream-sealed coffin
I waited my grand entrance...
sampled by vain worms

Radio plays hits
made on meth by four shelled Brits
sailing their "day trip"

Night-time sun ascends
shining dark rays to speed melt
depression's white frost

the addict dice are
cast in the air to float like
dope-lusting vultures

this Promethean
dealer sold me mighty fire
stolen from blue Gods

I will battle beasts
and cook them in a lit cave...
to lure dainty moths

Such was Homer's war,
dead to sight but for rhymed light...
bright recited might

or take Tchaikovsky...
lost in fast, swirling lovers
found in serene song

Appearances are
toy guns... true innovation's
labeled madness doomed

now I hear sirens'
stinging coke's blissful refrain
harmony profane

so I bid readers
from Paris to vast London
a speedy adieu

_____________________________________

post binge

________________________________________

the vile dust of meth
clogs me nasal to mental :
toll of creation

the world needs addicts
like cynics and napalm bombs,
but it's a rough road

first euphoria,
then sick blues unspeakable...
then sublime balance

Certificate 18
Poem
a prayer for Prison Pete
Autobiography

Comments

Submitted by Parson Thru on
Hi Sean. I have to say, when I looked at this I thought 'Here we go - another "look what I've done" get the drug references in' thing. But this might be the best thing I've read on here. Hard, coldly factual, but informed / erudite, aware and lyrical too. I may have to print this if you don't mind to read again in slower time. Really well done.

Parson Thru

Submitted by seannelson on
Thank you Parson Thru. I'm not sure what to say except to tell you how much I appreciate your bright words about my haiku set. You'll notice the current version is slightly more polished than when you read it and I don't think there can be any doubt it's for the better. I'm not speaking vanity when I say that I take my writing seriously and that each of my poems is a labor of passion, and that when I really get in the frenzy, each word and concept is worked and re-worked and re-worked. I am fairly well-read and have a B.A. in English and Literature from Southern Oregon University, Laurels Scholar. While I do believe in the positive side of drugs, I did not in this case write an ode to meth(as you noticed.) Indeed, substance use(if broadened to include long-term use of powerful pain meds for real pain,) is already a vulture that circles my life, but I hope to waste its time with moderation and "proper" use. You may certainly print this... I put my poems on a few web-sites to be read in any manner by any person. I also have a number of books under "Sean Lawlor Nelson"(with material of a similar quality,) and one of them stands above the others: "pi-ka-net's avatar," although the description and title reflect a desperate marketing ploy to get my books more exposure. Don't misunderstand me: I have no preference as to what format my writings are read in, and I'm unlikely to update my publisher about my address for royalties as it never adds up to much and I've got so many things I'm busy with. But your mention of a print copy prompted that information. anyway, to a fellow lover of poetry, well met
"If I send you post-cards from the side of the road: photographs of movies, and hearts about to implode"  -  Elliott Smith

Submitted by Parson Thru on
Nice one Sean. Will look out for more.

Parson Thru

Submitted by sid on
I had the same misgivings as Parson Thru when I read the title, but this is really excellent stuff. To pick out a favourite: 'a dream-sealed coffin I waited my grand entrance... sampled by vain worms.'

 

Submitted by Dan Ryder on
This is fantastic, really enjoyed reading it. Great work Sean, thanks for sharing it. Dan.