the hardest part

a death pit in the belly,
queasy quicksand,
a tremble and tightness and ache of the hand -

a rafter to climb in a shamble of attic,
a sweatstain, a hunger
unique to the addict -

it lurks and it stinks and it's heavy and hot,
a summer street stinging both feet while they walk,

and it hides and it writhes, wrecks, and ruins your heart -
it makes life into hell
till you sit down and start.