Scratches

Another scratch on my back
another bite on my neck
little lies lay dead
at the edge of my bed
where alive they once sat-
another scratch.

Another bruise from another cruise-
another lesson, unrelenting
I shut down again and again
Overplaying original sin
contemplating everything I choose-
another bruise.

Another taste
another face.
A quixotic idea, romanticized
Like rosemary and crime
Lingerin' on the tongue
after leaving my place-
another taste.

Another notch,
a glass of scotch-
drinkin in my every notion
rapt in my emotion
move up one on your belt till I'm lost-
another notch.

Another touch,
another cuss.
I felt it on my skin for days
echo in it's hot rays-
For now, it's still enough-
Another touch.

Another pact
with another class act
never thinking before I act
another tally mark ink black
another tip of the hat
Another man who never comes back-
Another scratch.