Some of my best poetry is written in the space

between drunkenness and pain

Before I drink too much to regret

Or fall asleep and forget

 

Some of my best poetry is written in the space

between thoughtfulness and folly

When I’m mad enough for words to whirl

but not for blood to boil

 

When I’m mad enough for blood to boil

but not enough for it to spill

 

When I’m mad enough to reach for the pen

but not for the knife

When I’m bewildered by existence

but still cherish my life

 

Then poetry is my shield

between myself and me

Poetry is written

Words set me free