Shame on me

Back bent backwards,

knees 

bruised          blistering          bloody

I light

another cigarette.

my mind plays tricks on me

in           the dark

plays tricks on me

in           the light.

plays tricks on me.

one more cigarette,

I burn myself away

flame          blame          shame

When will my life

be dictated by me,

and not my perception

of what others think of me?

Shame on me

for wanting more than you allow me to ask.

Saud Lingawi