Room Mates

So here I am.

in the company

of the world's true assholes.

shit kickers. blood spitters,

ex-dancers from the Foxy Lady.

shoplifters, ball squeezers

and bag snatchers.

I'm hidden

in a ratty apartment

overwhelmed by fleas.

I'm surrounded by stale

cigarette smoke.

walls of candied smut.

I walk on urine floorboards.

I sleep in a garroted gambler's bed.

The last good high

says it best:

Smash the gin bottles.

Crank up the fire

with whatever furniture

is left.

Toss the much-used

condom out the window.

Spare the needle

and spoil the arm.

Throw up in the sink.

while you’re at it.

I live with the worst roommates

necessity could come up with.

But without them.

I could never make the rent.

And without their crazies,

you're not reading this.

--John Grey