Bad Complexion Cheryl Townsend

IMPOVERISHED

she leaves purse & whiskey bottle for liquor store to restock,
squints for empty palm through spectre mind
takes her sloped shoulders for snow & forgets car
in lot.
she will go home & think the television, radio and musical boxes all on
turning over debussy's clair-de-lune spin the porcelain ballerina
worries not of twirling silk hiking to show bruises on the ass -
she will search for chewing gum & find paper clips
she will pour gasoline over herself
& dream a cigarette

Paul Skyrm

 

WHAT WAS LEFT

after death
the doors were all opened
we could all see
tears drowning
in poison
vein of injustice
vinegar on the crucifix
pontius pilate closing doors

e b bortz