Breathing in death
Every hour on the hour
And points from in between

Deadening the buds of flavor
With pepper hot smoke
That browns the pink
And changes
Bright white pearls to yellow

Grabbing and tugging at the pace
Shortening the wind within

Digits stained with poisoned resin
Hold to satisfy an uneasy urge
Only to snuff out the last burning ember
And wait until the next torch is passed

Gaze into the box to calculate
When your next stop will have to be
Thoughts of passing by flicker then fade
As the addiction controls the road

Weak against the force
That has strengthened with the years
You still tell yourself
I have to quit

12/10/2003