Bottomed Out Bill

bottomed out bill’s at the end of his rope

like an old dog who gave up hope

lost his house, lost his truck

gave up everything he had just for a rock

Go To Doctor

your eyes fell out

began to float

your guts blew up

came out your throat

The barn keeps calling

For a rope around the highest beam

For an unsure step off a wobbly chair

For feet kicking air

One shoe on, one shoe off

love is a labyrinth 

with a minotaur

around every corner 

A man showed up last night 
Spoutin’ off all kinds of lies 
I said now sir if you wanna fight

I’ll sign your death certificate 

I told him son, watch yourself
I’ll be sent you straight to hell
If you don’t stop talkin’ shit

I’ll sign your death certificate 

He had no fear 
In his eyes
He was ready to shoot me dead
He grabbed the gun from on his hip

I signed his death certificate

Sometimes I feel blacker

Than a goddamn lump of coal 

This isn’t a poem

Just a fact 

1987

Born in ‘87

To Theressa and Shane

Mama gave me life

Daddy gave me a name

Then they took me home

They gave me a place

A second-hand trailer

With a single wide frame 

I wanna heat up a knife

And stick it down my throat

Bramble

Let’s wait til it’s dark

Find a place to park

Light us some candles

Roll around in the bramble

And wait for the sun to wake up

Untitled

I will arise

For you arose

You are a rose

For which I will rise