J.J. Campbell

flows like water

i had a friend tell me 
years ago, if i was serious
about suicide i should write 
the note in blood
 
this is what happens when 
the gin flows like water
 
old girlfriends have nothing 
but evil dripping out of
their eyes
 
dead grandparents start 
telling stories from the 
great depression
 
the old poets will make 
you understand what 
heartbreak really is
 
and your lady of the night
 
her lips will taste like
what hope used to be
 
you feign choking on
your own brilliance
 
an old trick learned
back when your ego 
was still unbreakable
 
now that fucker is riddled
with so many bullets the 
alcohol never stays in
 
put up a good fight
and never forget 
 
you always have an irish 
goodbye tucked in your 
back pocket