Nectar of the Bugs

I feel them burrowing down under the skin
eating away at all that is dead. Their tiny teeth
cause pain every moment, reminding me of my sin.
Gnawing. Crawling. Clawing the flesh beneath,

revealing nothing more than other insects.
Parasites feeding themselves on the fear
that I can’t live without them. They inject
their toxins, bad medicines that give little cheer,

and feel that slight relief that everything is fine.
But fine only lasts one minute, until the bugs  
come back.  Digging deeper where no lights shine,
as I lay down my needle of hopes and drugs.