Confiding with a Hen
“I like to write poetry because when I read a good poem, it makes me feel good and I smile. I would like to make other people feel good too.”
Resurrection
When I was five my brother convinced me
to perform mouth to mouth on a catfish
floating belly up in the scum that gathered
in the lake behind our house.
How to Forget
I am lining my memories up against the wall.
They are begging me for reprieve. Here is the night
I found you on the floor, folded
like laundry.
Credit
As son
& mother.
Welfare.
State surplus
peanut butter,
cheese, & smiles
for Mr. Sullivan’s
monthly inspection
to certify our poverty.
All of Them
Down Syndrome Larry, my favorite
guy in the residence, the perfect
blend of Pillsbury Dough Boy
and Charlie Chaplin, all gap toothed
grins, warm cuddles and charm
bowing to kiss my aunt’s hand
when she gave him a silver dollar
the Christmas I brought him home