Talkin' Tough Blues Alright, sister, that's a mighty pretty headyou got on your shoulders. You want tokeep it there or start carrying it aroundin your hands? You're not the only onethat had an unhappy childhood. Maybethat's what hell is. All men are guilty.They're born innocent, but it doesn't last.I've been kicked around all my life, … Continue reading “Talkin’ Tough Blues” – “Microcosms” – “10 Ways to Cope with Your Next Writing Rejection” – “E = MC Escher” – “Dying Oceans”

collage by Joshua Martin Searching the Mousetraps Other widow’s peak to speak the egocentric circles unjustified & typed until all symbolic variations have been removed, then tied & in this gagged state a toyshop commando holding tire iron gloves promises to push the voltage on the rails as high as a mongoose left to its … Continue reading “Searching the Mousetraps” – “Like running through ashes” – “In the algebraic morning” – “Scourge of vampire” – “A Saphead in Repose”

Black Leaves Black leaves laughingat the side of the road. Obliviouspeople press onand the leaves crimson,curling their toes. Occasionally a girlstops and makes a faceat the scandal, and the leavesgo for her mouth,serious only aboutoblivion’s code. Then back to their blather—less burning bushthan minstrel show—these black tongues laughingat the side of the road. The Earthstar … Continue reading “Black Leaves” – “The Earthstar” – “Nicodemus”

YOU PLAY OKAY Zolar zip zum go to the end of the blockand find find your way backGo to the end of the block and stare up at the sunZolar zip zumYou made a gameIn the gameYou are goodYou perform well Go to the end of the blockWe have confidenceWe play togetherIf mother was aliveIf … Continue reading “YOU PLAY OKAY” – “which end is this end” – “from up high”

The Arms of Venus de Milos An empty gesturewe can no more experiencethan our ancestors could experience usbeing-lostdeeper than the day could readbeyond the wall of languagein the history of a great pregnancy. The long departed are within usas a burden on our fate,as blood which murmursfrom outside the depths of time —the impossibility of … Continue reading “The Arms of Venus de Milos” – “Ancestor” – “Eleven Infants of Detroit”

When you opened the book... When you opened the book it blossomed like a peony. Ant-words crept in single file. Their journey told a story. Near the end of summer the pages fell loose. You gathered each one, returned them to the library, long overdue, and the librarian said there was a fine. “One pond … Continue reading “When you opened the book…” – “I opened my mouth…”

Cabin Porn I mute utopiaon social media soit’s impossibleto tell no-oneis trying any more.At least Ted Kaczynskihad a vision, even ifthe only peoplewho fully understoodwere his pen pals.I wonder if he ever finishedthat stack of New Yorkers?It’s good to have goals—Grandfather Rabbitscrolling Montana snowcrustknows dinner can beyour identity. A wordfor untying whatif’s red ribbon.Prick your … Continue reading “Cabin Porn” – “Executive Ensuite”

Song A - Fritz Hermann, Vampire of Hanover It is very safe to assume, that in every one of thesehorrible little cities I pass throughwith the choo choo train thatgoes buzzstuck between two mountains like pubic hairin a housethe color of liverbetween mama and papa in pastel and in pusstheregrows a kid, with blond hair … Continue reading “Fritz Hermann, Vampire of Hanover; Song of Experience”