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"The Naked Ache"
(aka "substance abuse")

they want me to paint its portrait
as it tears around the corner
only the tip of its tail showing

they want me to elaborate
on "how does it FEEL"
when your blood turns to pus
and runs down the inside of your leg
stinking so bad 
children make faces
and tell their mothers

but what's the point
even after I do my best to explain
regurgitating my innards
and a few vital organs in the process

they still don't get it
they look coldly at my guts in a pile
then simply tell me
to "Just Say No." 

Okay 
"NO" 
I said it. 
now what? 

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