Addiction...

Left on a shelf-
beneath the ashes
against the glass-
without the matches

I feel as though
I'm always watching
Hope against hope
but nothing's burning

on the outside
looking in
There's a step I just can't reach
Under the flame-
no matter the tries-
it's a gift I don't receive.

It seems it would be
simple enough
but nothing works
should I give up?

Could it be worse?
I hate to ask-
what would it be
without the flask?