512.17

Everything I write

(as I discovered today)

has either to do with

finding God, addiction, or suicide

(but I only actively think about one of these things)

Now, wait.

The poem was supposed to end there.

But I have things left to say.

What I actively think about is not suicide.

I actively think about addiction,

which is the foundational principle

of being human.

I actively think of sadness,

and how it is happiness

except we don’t see it that way.

That’s why people can cry from

sadness and happiness.

It’s simple.

Next time you feel sad

tell yourself that what you’re feeling

is a good, happy thing.

Next time you’re tempted

to drink, do so.

Know that addiction

is a three-syllable word

for doing things

that make you happy and sad at the same time.

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Written at 6:37 at night, in my backyard, by the firepit, while mosquitos nibble at my feet.