I sit alone
Conjuring up metaphors with a sleepy mind
as absinthe, poured into my glass
reminds me of passion
all heat and
bittersweet
it tempts me just the same

I wait for the sugar to dissolve
the same way
I wait for love
Believing it will be sweeter
and like love
it only distorts my thoughts
blurs my vision
making my tongue thick
But I have no use for words right now

The floor
         begins
               to sink

I feel self-conscience
smoking my cigarette
vulnerable
Aware of the men in the room
How their eyes follow intently
the lines of my hand to mouth gestures
Their appetites wetted  
the way my lips
w r a p and f o r m
Some obscene whisper
Full and round
I wonder if they've guessed
my lipstick and ******* are the same
perfect shade of pink
I blow the smoke out
and away
They smile

Dark
hungry thoughts
join the fog around my head

The floor
        is falling
             further

A man stands next to me
Insisting his attentions
Pushing his body against my arm
I look up at him and smile
I know he will not force me to think clearly
He pretends we've met before
and I

imagine

I am the ice in his whiskey
Melting slowly

Waiting
to be absorbed
against his lips
between his teeth
he will bite and crush me
pushing me
down
inside of him
He wouldn't even taste me
A cool burn then
nothing

The
    floor
       is far
             away