Lead (poem)

I'll swing beside you
and pay attention,
notice that a sonnet rises
with each step; but,
I have to move you,
make sure that you shift
how I want.
Squeeze my hand.
I can't get creative with this
and you can.
The end of your back doesn't notice
my bumbling palm, stumbling
along with my sputtering bravery.
One step
Two step
Back step
One step
Two step
Twirl
And come back
And come back.

Time to Play (poem)

Serve me noise on a platter of lyrics
and I'll suck in the harmonies of rot--

That's my license. State of Virginia.
Look at that big mouth in the picture.
closed.

Mouths open all the time now. Remember
when folks used to just jump out windows instead?
I'll sue the city if I get hit by a plummeting carcass--

Bone bags drop, dead before they crack against the ground,
the fall is not that far when there's led lodged
between eyes and--

I know how to escape. Take my piece, force it
close to my chest, until I learn how to play.
How long does it take to learn?

By the time this track is done.
Listen, listen, listen--
He's fingering out:

Executions and abortions and how much he loves Jesus,
and how it makes sense to kill and leave others
wanting to feel, like they want to be killed.

And I sit here with my game piece,
plotting out my strategy.
Listen, listen, listen--