"...behind my left ear"

Straightening My Cigarette

When I was in jail once not too far from here
For trying to die by crashing my fast car
I wore a cigarette behind my left ear
Had a jolly time but now it is too far
From here after all in a distant dead year

All my fellow jailbirds and I got on well
As united in the solidarity
Of those who find themselves together in hell
It seemed more fun than my university
So I felt a bit let down to be set free

I had been ready for anything at all
Having expected to die the night before
But they threw me out so I rose from my fall
Blinked into a future I could hardly see
Straightening my cigarette to live some more

I smile now to remember my delousing
Which without lice I found unnecessary
Young shoplifters yelping and old drunks grousing
Each maintaining his innocence steadfastly
It seemed the only guilty one there was me

"I know my rights!" some cried "You have no rights here!"
Some replied and those were the ones with the sticks
One cracked me on the head since I showed no fear
(Being suicidal) of bully-boy tricks
He paused disappointed then left me alone

If he felt anything it was jealousy
And I gathered that he rather liked the tone
Of my answer given insouciantly
But with coming dawn he knew I would be gone
Leaving him behind and he wished he were me

So I was in jail once now too far from here
For trying to die by crashing my fast car
I wore a cigarette behind my left ear
Was cast out of hell to rise a falling star
All in all I came out better than before

My fast car was repaired my psyche was aired
Lots of hugs and love and memories were shared
And it seemed to me that I was meant to be
Having come out of a coma that same year
Apparently I am supposed to be here

Straightening my cigarette to live some more

+Steven Curtis Lance



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