Drinking Salt Water

“it’s hot outside,”

breaths condensing in protest,

streetlights trembling along with you.

i wonder sometimes if you held me true

your cigarette burns like wildfire,

smoke wafting around your form,

you scorch the earth with your desire.

—

standing there, my legs crumble

i’m reduced to none other than your sorrow

silence overtakes what words are said

it’s in silence, communication flows better.

it’s been that way since we were young.

—

a solemn stare awaits me when i turn

even time can’t soften you.

snow falls gently like a kiss,

smoke burns my lungs, a reminiscence

as i ask with bated breath

“you said you had something to say?”

Yes. It’s time to give up drinking.

It distorts your mind

And hurts your feet

And turns you into a sophist.

Fishermen turn to look at you

When you stumble down the steps to their boats –

You don’t even own a boat!

How can I make sense of

Such frippery?

You were not always like this.

I’ll give up smoking

If you stop drinking.