Addiction is to an addict As oxygen is to us all. Underwater, We drown without it, Flailing limbs blindly, Struggling to resurface, Until relief comes with a gasp of air. Without the pain, I am lost, Drowning without addiction. Until I grasp the hand of my savior, In it, a small blade clutched. Not until the razor pierces my wrist Can I breathe again. And now, with blood pouring, I am whole. Like that fresh burst of oxygen to the tired lung, The crimson droplets refresh my soul. But just as you must keep breathing, So must you keep bleeding. Inhale, exhale. Cut, bleed. The cycle goes ever on Until that ironic day When what has kept me alive for so long Will end my life When one day my addiction That which I love and loathe with passion Will kill me