Down w. my Demons. how bout you?

I’m sitting on a mattress on the floor

A belt tight around my arm

He puts the needle in my arm

Then again

And again

And again

Missing my veins

Each poke a little sharp

And hurts a little more than the one before

He is cussing under his breath in frustration

Both of us impatient to finally see that red

I consider saying a prayer to the universe

Begging for him to hit one

Stab, stab, stab again

I’m staring at the plunger

When it suddenly goes red

Red!

It’s red!!!

I feel a rush of relief

knowing it’s about to happen

And a deep eagerness for what’s to come

I hold still as he pushes the chemicals in

And I let go of the belt quick

I start counting down and intentionally remind myself to breathe

..deep breath..

Boom

Rush

Explosion

I feel…

Incredible

I’m hit with this taste in my mouth

And my chest feels a little too warm

I lean back, close my eyes, and start to moan

Thank you

—

Charles Bukowski