First Light

1994

I drain the tumbler
Fill up my coaster
Rock back on my heels one more time
Crush out the last butt
For the twenty seventh time
First light through the window
Of the next day of my life

I chop up one more line
To toast the sunrise
Pretend it’s early – it ain’t late
Make a bet with my conscience
I’ll give up early tonight
By the first light through the window
Of the next day of my life

Dying embers from a spent night
Sifting through the ashes
To find the strength
To make it through the morning

I lock the front door
Stumble across the floor
I know I can make it one more time
Best intentions
A never ending fight
First light through the window
Of the next day of my life