Vice / Virtue

I drink because I like to;
because I live in a society where
alcohol is cheaper than survival
and because there is more comfort
in an empty bottle than any person.

I smoke because I want to;
because nicotine soothes more
than muted conversation can,
and because the buzz makes me
feel like I can do anything.

I fight because I have to;
because if I do not, I risk losing
my own identity, my pride, my purse
and because a right hook tells more
than any of my words can.

I revel in rebellious chaos;
because if I do not have something
to focus on then I have nothing, a
blank white wall to stare at as I
do nothing other than exist.