Choosing Life

Eyes are cave entrances on riverbanks,
the face is the pocked concrete, the slow

buckle of legs, a trembling gasp spurts
from rough, young lips. Lou Reed croons

blood into a congealed halt, as notes
and bodies are exchanged. Breathless

smoke billows with anticipation. Taking life
takes all devices; there’s not even a mark

between denying the prospect of survival,
and pushing the plunger yourself.

torn clothes: the holy robe
a scratched soundtrack: an epic eulogy 

A nurse gives a shot of adrenaline,
gives another chance at life.