It's the Small Things

A cigarette balances
on tightly drawn lips,
flame growing brighter as
tension racks a contorted
face.

Hands, barely controlled,
shake as they maneuver
as short-lived indulgence.

Breathe in numbing toxins,
breathe out hissing snakes of 
smoke.

And Repeat

Repeat until the voices stop
pounding hate against your
skull;
until logic reigns supreme.

Self-control in exchange for cancer

One strained smile instead
of insults and confused children.

One more day where such
staged love is tolerable.

One more light,
one more drag;
duct tape on a
demolished heart.