Riding the Tide
Prompt-tough choices.
Rust drips From metal pipes above. He sprawls on roughly textured cold. The dumpster offers shelter from their greedy eyes; a refuge in the space behind.
A deep breath catches in his gut spearing him through the fog. A splay of bitten nails lands upon his face.
Close examination brings a crust of grease specked with flakes of green.
He wipes the sticky thickness on his brow smearing grease into the blood. A tide of need turns within.
It’s time to roll the dice. Like the river and the rain, a full swell or a trickle.
The measured hit contains a deadly dose or none.
He makes the choice.
If you enjoyed this poem, have a look at my book, We Swallow Light. It’s an exploration of events in a past life and a refreshing take on overcoming pain and the joy of finding love.
Thanks Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她) for this prompt ‘tough-choices’.
Sorry folks, this one is a bit dark….
Chloe Hill, Stuart Englander, Will Hull, Natasha Kurien, Michael Ranjitsingh, Carlos Garbiras, Lori Lamothe
