Harping On. Poem by Cheryl McDonnell

Wicked sneering smokers smile
I avoided you
Bargepole and ten miles
Why fear you
A powerless hyena
Just laughing
A scorn but not a thorn
Worthy of my side
Jagged teeth
Were they meant for me
I hope so
Now you give me the humour
That amuses me
On all the dark nights I share
With me
Just someone unforgiving
Leaves me asking
For just one more shot to never recall
Bartender please
Extinguish my selfishness
This tab is on you
This cross
Is a sign of my unfortunate times
A front page death
Dredged from the riverbed
Harping on
You sang your innocence
Put flowers down
On the earth that consoled me
Is this the end
Or do I rise back up again
Do the dead
Stay put in their graves