This poem is for a Delightfully Dark Radio Show, so if you’re in the mood for something deliciously dark this evening, go ahead, take a peek. But don’t worry, I won’t be offended if you leave.

It’s Never Enough

Fuck what the modernists say,
the world is black and white
like this cigarette–
you have the used
and the ready to be used,
death and youth,
and all those shades of gray
are lies, man,
trivial fucking pursuits.

I know cuz I’m evil
every time I steal
one a’ god’s creations
the horde eats, and
I pick my kill clean.
Use my fingernails
to slit its scuff.
Adrenaline is potent stuff,
and if the fowl bites back,
rooster reminds me how
I like it rough.
I’m not the nicotine,
mother fucker,
I’m the dirty cough.

Ruffle my plumage,
while I give this fag a suck.
I left the latest carcass bleeding
in the back of the pickup.
“Should be enough,”
I tell them as they circle round
but I know from the shadow
of my mother’s skull
through a cloud of putrid puff,
it’s never enough.

© 2022 | K.Hartless

I’d like to preface this with a note that I do not actually smoke and this poem is of course fictional.

Artwork: Christopher Lovell

24 responses to “It’s Never Enough”

  1. Amazing read, it’s never enough to take just one puff… Are you British? 😂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you. No, but I’ve learned to speak it. 😂😂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. English is a tough language to learn, it has different meanings for the same word, words that are spelt differently but sound the same and so on. So glad that it’s my native tongue.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Tom Avatar

    Very evocative and visceral imagery – can imagine a raven overlooking a post-apocalyptic blasted wasteland from this. Poignant portrayal of nicotine cravings ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Tom. Could be, I was just writing about her; she’s bold and sassy and fun.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Tom Avatar

        Brilliant voice recording too 🙂 Great addition to a powerful piece! ❤

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Thank you, Tom. I had a few drinks…recorded this. You know, normal weeknight. 😉 I’m trying to get used to the sound of my voice.

    Like

  4. Wow, there is much to enjoy about this poem, from the flow to the language selection, and every bit in between. I was in the mood too. 😅😂 Awesome write, K.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Jeff. I loved the artwork and she seemed like a great character seed, one that maybe a story could grow from in the future. I tried my best not to catch any viewers off-guard with this “spunky” verse. I’m glad you enjoyed her mini-tale. She’s a firecracker, no? 😂💜

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re welcome, K. Always. There is much to love in the artwork, for sure. Ah, you did a good job of letting your readers know. I plunged right in. 😂 A firecracker? Ummm, yes. 😂💜

        Liked by 1 person

  5. Devilishly good, k.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Misky. This means a lot to me.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. My Petite Pen should post tomorrow morning, k.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Oh wonderful. I can’t wait. 💜

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Everyone has a dark side, this is wonderful, K!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you. I’m learning to embrace it and seek balance. I think I assume the shadowy parts of me have to stay hidden, but I’m starting to think that’s not so. I appreciate your comment very much.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Did this one bite you? She’s usually not into mammals. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Do you think that would explain why someone once told me I was a slimy toad?

        Liked by 1 person

      2. What? That’s preposterous… obviously you’re a bullfrog.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. I think I mighta been called that, too.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Well when green is all there is to be…

        Liked by 1 person

  7. I swear I smelt tobacco smoke when I read this. You have a dark side young Hartless!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I would have to agree with you that there could possibly be an equally strong dark side to my effervescent light side. Now, to embrace and harness both of them….😁

      Liked by 1 person

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