Here I am
under the fluorescent lights
sipping my Coke and smoking my cigarette
that tastes of nothing.
The chatter of the canteen
filters through my thoughts
mingling with the sound of frying
that escapes from the kitchen, and
here I am
sitting quietly in a corner, as
laughter reaches me
from across the room.
What’s so amusing?
Not me.
I haven’t amused for a while.
Not even myself.
I feel drained
of all essence
all energy, so
here I am
under the fluorescent lights
sipping my Coke and smoking my cigarette
that tastes of nothing.
© S. McLean 1994
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