Corkscrew
there were times
late at night
when I needed you
just an arm’s length
away & so far gone
for fear of waking
I crept away
& walked home & sat
a decapitant
on a metal bench
outside the converted church
where could I go
then for my conversions
where could I rest
heavy hands & long
for the cool breath
of the holy
in the rain suddenly
false teeth retching
cigarette smoke
I pretend not to smoke
sometimes
I barely pretend
to breathe
took heroin last night
the first time
in years I think
I’ve forgotten how
to be high
forgotten how to
be an addict
I bought red wine
from a 24/7 & left it
sitting beside my bed
I can open it anytime
I only need to need
a corkscrew
more than I need to sleep