Mike Pearson's Adventures on a Pale Blue Dot

The Lies of a Junkie In the crumbling tenement, life’s a nightshade sonnet, Eddie walks like a shadow under streetlights with the jittery grace of a three-time loser, eyes like overcooked eggs, pupils screaming disrepair, he spins yarns like webs, silky and ensnaring. “I was just out,” he says, two fingers twitching, a gash of a smile slick with bad intentions. Rent’s overdue, pockets clinking with pennies, but he'd swear he sold poetry at the corner bodega, Poe’s ghost on a whiskey bender, all smoky bullshit and baubles. His eyes drip contemptuous trust, as he says, “I got a job, lucky break, friend of a friend!” His scabs blossom under streetlight scrutiny, one hundred-dollar bill, dampened by sweat and anticipation, like the promise of a turned needle before it bites. He misses his shift, boss calls, voicemail, static. “Got mugged, man. Some sonsabitch took my watch.” That same watch ticking in his locked desk drawer, beside a crucible of spoons blackened by borrowed dreams and ...

Poison Toads In the darkened swamp of human souls, Where twisted roots and shadows play, Lurk the poison toads of misery, Beneath the guise of night and day. Their eyes, like coals of bitter fire, Gleam with envy, spite, and greed, Spewing venom, thick as mire, From their mouths where lies breed. Oh, the poison toads, in their royal robes, Crowns of nettles, thrones of stone, They croak commands and issue probes, With voices like a grinding drone. “Bow to me,” they hiss and sneer, “Bend your will, your thoughts, your spine,” In their swamp, there’s naught but fear, Where freedom’s light can never shine. They trample joy beneath their feet, With warty hands and grasping claws, Delight in making others weep, Feeding on the pain they cause. Each toad, a master of deceit, Their words a poisoned lullaby, Draining hope with every beat, As dreams beneath their gaze do die. In the mire of their making, They sit on thrones of mud and bone, Each croak a heart that’s breaking, Each touch a chill ...