straight

and my behavior must be maladaptive
erroneous and very unhealthy
I think as i take a breath of air
breathing is the most dangerous
behavior
it leads to living

I smoked for ten years
and enjoyed every carton
of bitter tobacco
but didn't find smoking
as dangerous (downright bad for me!)
as living

They will tell you you are
dysfunctional
co-dependant
autistic
they will label
you a criminal
for breathing

they will label you a patient
which is a crime
against nature
to need compassion
and medicine
is not a cigarette

or drink
or sex

it's a pill
or a straight jacket
buttoned-down
to the floor
to muzzle
the fire
in your eyes
and make
your breaths
stop

this is the work
that requires
labored breathing

we give birth
to maladapted

children

who breathe just fine

who sit and smile

who love

and smoke

and have sex

when you try
to tie the world
down

your fail.