the dark tastes bitter
the silent damp hours empty
winter inside hope

forty-two years old
unemployed, single and mad
healthy, friends, learning

I live in the dark
body clock drifting vampire
lost alone birthday

moving by inches
taking a day at a time
careful with my mind

mauled by santa's claws
the Christmas shopping season
the present of debt

fifteen, on a box,
rope around my neck, swaying,
it snapped, failed again

afternoon curry,
sunday laughter, drinks and friends,
a lovely warm time