NO MORE PLANETS
I. ORPHEUS N/A
There was I again suctioned back
into spasms of romantic memory
It was laid clear
My inner heartland resident’s destiny was a long ass driveway
a corn-fed sort of personal brand, and tires for any occasion
One desires something beyond
$15,609.76 soldiers in march under their apse
Science is real like chevrons on the armband on yard signs in the cul-de-sac
Beyond what else?
exposed brick, food bowls, handsome children in their ruching bald privilege, the best of our country west of its milky alpine pasture, grasses, mountains, mosses, teslas, making rent in the fiefdom, and the lunatic face of my neighborhood
Beyond that?
I have become like a trained whale that performs frequently in the dark
When I left I did not look back
When I arrived I felt cold but enlivened
I’ve relied on yellow light
II. PINK SLIPS & LIRA
Dollops of rain, fidelity and time
two women power wash the church fence
wheat-pasted portrait of the chancellor
gives a look like how could I fail
and smiles like he’s got a patent on seeds
You step down the restaurant stairs
through a door into the cellar
passing wafts of clove smoke, leather
wild orchid, and gin
what heaven used to mean
when skiffs loosened
all like joshed in silent awe
And They’re all here
Chastity the wine monster, ground control, jerry dunk
A man takes off his shoes and puts his shoes on his hands and bangs on the table
Others join. Wack Wack Wack. A charismatic whistle. A shout, Reimburse me!
Gaiety has reached its carnival climax!
So when a dog-faced slouch leans into your ear and whispers
I know what today is. It’s your birthday.
Make a wish.
Consider all that has led you here