A Gradual Reduction During Summer By Jonathan Butcher

The slow wash of car alarms now 

comforting and inducing sleep.

Another promise made under lampshades,

that cast off the dawn like unwanted 

night shifts.

Time now to reduce consumption,

to allow the free reign of blood, 

so I can still walk over hot coals 

without grimaces or scarring;

a small price to pay for gradual abstinence.

Once again we speculate to accumulate,

a self imposed systemic blockade,  

which eases tension headaches 

and waistlines. The only set back:

how difficult it is in this weather to apply

readjustments. 

Jonathan Butcher has had poetry appear in various print and online publications including 

The Morning Star, Cajun Mutt Press Mad Swirl, The Rye Whiskey Review, Picaroon Poetry, Popshot, 

Sick lit and others. His fourth chapbook 'Turpentine' was published by Alien Buddha Press. He is also the editor 

of the online poetry journal Fixator Press.