coming off the tramadol




because my quads are twitching ready for flight
because i’m racing through a black espresso night
because my brain’s on speed
because i’m withdrawing from sleep
because i’m tapering off
because the prescribed dose was so high
because the pain was throbbing with each heartbeat
because i needed a new titanium knee
because osteo-arthritis was devouring my bones




This poem comes from the chapbook ‘Policies & Procedures’ by rob walker, Southern-Land Poets, Garron Publishing,
PO Box 334
Magill, SA, 5072
Australia
ISSN 2202-7246
(see www.robwalkerpoet.com for details)