In the warmth of the bed

The cold creeps slowly

I feel it holding me

Like an old friend I long to kiss.

But I will not kiss cleanly.

I will give Death ash, and make a fool of him.

I will light one more cigarette,

I will let that sweet smoke cloud 

My mind,

My breath,

My nose,

My bones.

I will let the smoke wrap around me

Like Eve’s long snake.

Let it kiss my cheeks and feed me black fruit.

I will let its ashy seeds fall like teeth from my lips

Into the jaws of Death, who waits for my friend-embrace.

On his unlit darkness, the red nose of a clown I shall place.