Hard Rocking Arthritis

“person next to coconut tree on sand” by Jeff Kepler on Unsplash

When you’ve headbanged since the early 80’s
it takes a toll on the joints. But bass player in a
hotel band in Tokyo ain’t a
bad gig if you can get it.

At the clinic, the Japanese doctor struggles
in English to explain the side effects of opiates.
I stare down at the tattoos that cover my
forearm that once hid the needle tracks
and struggle not to laugh in his face.