Chasing the Dragon
By
Kelly M. Kirkpatrick

A glimpse of Heaven
Before your time,
Peaceful slumber,
Senseless rhyme.
What you don’t have,
You say you don’t want,
But the truth is out there -
A jeering taunt.

Chasing the dragon,
Running from your life.
You think that you’re in motion.
You never get it right.
Chasing the dragon,
Living on the edge.
No need for sweet security,
For soon you will be dead.

When you chase the dragon;
You lose yourself to dreams.
Once you’ve chased the dragon;
Life’s no longer what it seems.
When you chase the dragon
Nothing else will do.
You never catch the dragon.
The dragon catches you.

You may think you’re communing with the devil.
You may think you’re speaking with the Lord,
But all you do each day is chase the dragon.
This destruction is of your own accord.

A strong unfiltered cigarette
Is hanging from your lips.
You drink your gin and tonic
In long ungrateful sips.
They say the old Victrola
Still plays a mournful tune.
You start to wake at midnight.
You go to sleep at noon.

Chasing the dragon,
Running from the room.
The woman said she loved you.
But it was much too soon.
Chasing the dragon,
Hedging every bet.
Your callous indiscretions
Are swirling in your head.

When you chase the dragon
Nothing else will do.
You never catch the dragon.
The dragon catches you.