Moderation Moderation Moderation

You've got to let the death in slowly
like dragging a cigarette.
Let the ghosts of dead singers
linger in your throat.
Watch your own face reconstruct
across the surface of the glass
as the bottles pile up.

You've got to let the death in slowly
like sips of a well-aged scotch.
Let the flavor seep in through the walls of your stomach.

You've got to let the death in slowly
one breath after another
as the ghosts become accustomed
to the warmth at the bottom of your belly.
Let them share your drink
and they will share with you the stories of their lives
as the bottles pile up.

You've got to let the death in slowly
let it creep into your lungs and spine
to make it's home where the two of you will always be
like friendly neighbors.

And remember to walk slowly down to the ocean
because once you arrive,
there's no turning back.