HOT COFFEE

you're saying there's no merit
in what you used to write
and that it's all behind you
those years of teenage spite

the coffee will get colder
I say down it all at once
still hot and in your belly
to warm your head and shoulder

your sickness is a burden
I think it's in your mind
this fever is a mirror
of what you left behind

calmly you're collectable
but you fly the flags of war
the only adversary here
is who we were before

we used to sleep through rainy days
we bore worries for no one
we'd sleep off all the alcohol
until the day was done

I'd feed your inspiration
if I only had the chance
to tell the truth I'm frightened now
I'm frightened of romance

so tear out all the pages
and sell them all for rent
your memories of better days
and all the time we spent

give it to the fire my dear
just give in to the flame
if age could give us reason
that no one is to blame

suffer to forget and you,
will only recall pain
in days that should be better
when you will start again

justify the arguments
and you'll capsise with the boat
you'll drown again in water
and write it in a note

and when I find you lying
blue from lack of air
I'll give you breath right from my lips
and brush away your hair

gone will be the boys
with whom you would compare
you'll pick me over alcahol
indeed it's only fair

©Copyright 2003 Peter Cooper.