The Needle. Poem by PAUL COLVIN

The Needle. 2nd July 2012.

You hang around sleazy bars and dingy little dives
And buy your love on sidewalks believing all their jive
Advice is always there for you though you tend to walk away
But the needle's law's the one you must obey.

On a hot September night long before the chill sets in
You're curled up and fight demons within
The turkey may be cold but the fever's boiling hot
You're drowning in the needle's melting pot.

Do you think the needle cares about your colour, sex or creed?
He's unbiased in his quest to sew his seed
And still you're curling ‘round fighting demons deep within
As your eyes rest on the needle by the bin.

Just one last little hit could take away the pain
But the hits before have driven you insane
Your death is cruel and slow and you think of what you gave
As the needle dances around a junkie's grave.

Paul Colvin.