Illegit

Now, I can't say I'm religious
But surely there must
Be something better than this.
A thought to paralyze,
to cut me from my apathy.

Friday Nights are always there;
The grim, emaciated homeless Russian
teetering through the traffic-
The daring herring - Claret trickling
From his swollen temple;
He'll see to it.

'Luke can't get married-
He can't afford the divorce!'
Joy in repetition?
Annoyed, in need of salvation.
The land-Lords laugh dilates in mid-flight
Telling black-man jokes makes our teeth shine white;
Drinking with past friends' younger sisters
Opens cerebral doors, raises questions:
Why can't I be anywhere but here?

Lemongrass and orange to cleanse
Ginseng and ginger to arouse
Still: Tabula Rasa.
Green tea goes down like liquefied lead,
Fruit makes me hungry.
Give me a beer and a smoke
And perhaps some degree of purpose,
Because I feel like a fucking joke.