2 Poems

kaleidoscope shards

when mama showed the world her work
there was an ‘oh’ and ‘better luck next time’
because two daughters in a row is losing the lottery
one more time, spinning the slot machine of chromosomes–
      TRY HARDER       (it’s not that difficult, honey)

it’s not ‘who’s gonna work on da farm’
it’s a name-carrier, placeholder, the
     ‘don’t have be ashamed when you call her inside’
to be on a first name basis with something pretending
to want a baby who can’t work, can’t drive
             BUT YOU CAN COOK TONIGHT (‘cause we drowned the weak
                                                                   pups last week)

well sending her out won’t do
who know what she’ll come back with.
     so there’ll be enough socks and tea,
keeping the fire tended, the house warm
   the gas stove on, the fuel under the sink
   and the lighter in the drawer
       DON’T BE A BAD GIRL (remember we love you)



technical difficulties

sorry
not sorry
we’re experiencing technical difficulties
because I didn’t get rid
of the grease fire
that took over my house
so it took over your house
and watered the roses
with Marc Jacobs
from a morning mouth
hungry for bloody
orchids
clouding with vapor or
contrite mustard gas
I’m so sorry
that it’s so cold
you can’t see through
your windows.