Human Vending Machine


Flashbacks remain so I’m stacking the blame
The stain remains, but the warmth of drink is pain contained
Changing games, another quarter slot for the bored and sloshed
Tendons tense, my body soon cordoned off
A broken doll’s head bobbling atop a wizened shall
Sipping Zinfadel between shots, my prison cell
Is this hell where I tip the waitress for forgiveness
Close to my end, I grow more religious
Is it too late to tithe, my church a den of smoke
Tried to reach my grandkids, but couldn’t pen the note
Best to let it go, but the failures hold so tight
Closing both eyes, tell them I fold tonight
Shiny lights, trying times, itemized costs
Slightest loss is nothing all the Midas I’ve dropped
Eyes a slight gloss, but that’s the way of the bottle
Lady scratching for Jesus with the way of the lotto


Well worn but worn well, forced to mourn a cold spell
Someone sold sad sack souls but satan sold hell
Oh well, got a new landlord now the rent is due
Just out of reach, my medicine is never through
Paying through the nose insurance staying glued to pocketbooks
HMO who’s got the crooks, those novices in office put
Them there with flocks of vultures, I’ve some clots and ulcers
Greased palms make for handshakes, nods and sulfur
A man faces the end, and now the prices raise
Saliva glazed lips but hunger pangs provide the blades
Pride’s a luxury I can’t afford, it’s pawnshops
And upping penny ante bids praying for a long shots
The calm sauce sloshes in a glass served stat
Flatline clear spot recharge, turn back
I don’t have time for dying, sweating a fire hydrant
Swear this last hand is going to land that private island