SUGAR CANE**

"Today
I pulled out a candy
so brittle, so frail
it reminded me
of how love
can impale.
Sweet, now hardened,
wrapped
in cellophane...

Today
I lit up a cigarette.
Nausea overwhelms,
as does a life lived
without regret.
Addictions are hard to acquire,
impossible to forget.
The chips are down
it's almost time to bet...

They should
put me on suicide watch.
Now that I've tasted
your sugar cane
this longing
for you
may drive me
insane...

BjR 20 May '10

**with reference to a song by R.E.M

— Bonitaj, May 19, 2010

About This Poem

About the Author

Region, Country: Tip of Southern Africa, ZAF

Favorite Poets: Too many to narrow down, but briefly :, AUDEN, T.S. ELIOT, DICKENSON, RILKE, THOREAU, RUMI ... the list is endless. Am inspired by many, especially those that live lives of "quiet desperation, and go to the grave with a song still in them" (THoreau)

Critiques

raskin

16 years ago

Very good, the cigarette

Very good, the cigarette addiction, love addiction, trying to forget and being unable to quit. I used to smoke, I still dream of smoking this is a very strong addiction. There is a grittiness to this poem I like. raskin

Bonitaj

16 years ago

thank you so much Raskin!

Aren't all addictions what they are? I doubt whether one is stronger than another - congrats on overcoming yours. Interesting that you still dream of smoking! I am a reformed smoker, so lighting up today was NOT a pleasant experience, but it'll tell you how strong were the urges that took me there!... ;) Boni

poewriter58

16 years ago

Boni

Nice work on this one. Addictions , yes there are so many. Most are mind over matter however some are close to impossible to break. You have named some of the deadliest here. ( yes love can be a deadly addiction) yay another REM fan Chrys

Esker

16 years ago

Poetic symetry

I very much like the music of REM and I enjoyed this poem with its clairity in its write Thank You Esker~

Bonitaj

16 years ago

gee Thanks you two!

Coming from such heavy weights as yourselves - that certainly is a compliment having you stop by and crit. my work! Cheers Boni

kowque

16 years ago

addiction,way better than

addiction,way better than obssession id say :) as its governed by lack of self control,which infuses a sense of blamelessness right? though i detect a hint of guilt in your words... ....and i think this poem confirms some trite line i heard in a love song- "love hurts sometimes when u do it right" *chuckle* :) i loved this one Boni, kokz