addictions

Sexy but dumb - the craving for a hit
That sends you to join the others in the street or the pub
That brief relief
Then a few hours later - back into the pit

'Street life - you can run away from time
Street life for a nickel or a dime'

Jenny gets hers for free
Smoking again - street dogs are enough
I have my disposable lighter and it was dry last night
Don't have to pay for the stuff
Or use more than I need

Brummies who move to Brixington
Praise the parking and the gardens
Of Exmouths' affordable suburb
Once again I'm glad I live in town

At half four or five am I see only street people
And hear only birdsong
This morning I walked a stretch of the road with Paul
Walking Boycie his rescue German shepherd
A retired cleaner he's used to waking early

What would I do
If a driver seeing me smoking in an office doorway
Thought I was up for sale
Probably say no

Us addicts know the score
The Gabriel House guys
Newly homeless from Exeter prison
And James Keir Baxter
New Zealand poet visionary and drinkhead
Who died when 46
The truth is we accomplish less not more

With a bit of luck I'll get clean this weekend
I have three days in Bristol walking with healthy friends