Worse for Wear
Everything was fine until my parents said I should leave. She’d help me pack my bags as long as I didn’t disturb him. He was too busy shouting until…
“My Favorite Faulkner,” “Honestly,” “Dirty Harry,” and Other Poems
My Favorite Faulkner We’ll meet in Mississippi. Just name the spot. What about Biloxi, Clarksdale, or what would you say to somewhere in…
“Okra Casserole Baked at 350,” “Satchmo Was White,” “Sitting Pretty,” and Other Poems
Okra Casserole Baked at 350 The bald soprano was hiding in the bushes. You better say something or I will. God is watching is not good enough. Tell…
“Public Performances” and “Low and Behold”
Public Performances The news tonight is that there are rioters rioting in the streets of Minneapolis. I go out to see for myself. I see folks on the…
Imperialism
Aswirl in accusations, the noble gentleman fell, as the crowds spat and stomped on his bronzed cadaver. “Pig.” “Beast.” “Monster.” The crowd hurled…
Horse Operas; or, John Wayne in Heat
We live in a time of hero bonuses. There is talk of appreciation pay. At the strip club it is masks on, clothes off. We don’t want the naked ladies…
Shake-Up
If it weren’t for the Constitution, we’d be Iran. If it weren’t for the First Amendment, we’d be China. My friends see themselves as reasonable, they…
No Wonder
Is it any wonder the Japanese hate us? My wife Claudia and I had been cooped up in this fucking Palace Cruise Line anchored off Yokohama for 13 days…
Kabuki Rites
Everything changed for me when I got sick. I developed a serious infection at the site of my so-called surgery, performed that fateful afternoon back…
“Sayonara,” “Comp 1,” “Five Steps to Caring,” and Other Poems
Sayonara Samurai occupy the subway. They guard the entrance and stand at attention on the platforms. My girlfriends and I pass by, giggling. We’ve…
