Tatet ercilis atis tempus praesent,
ornare facinci exeriure
Summy iaculis hendigna sequat justo
veliquat cum habitasse

when your best friend’s walking slow, walk slow
when the weeds are high, then weed
unless, of course, your argument’s convincing-
in which case, mind your manners!

large mouse eschews two traps, and opts for toilet
i drown it in a big gulp cup
so the pregnant wife can pee in peace at night
ancient twisted karma

for lmb

let’s tie each other’s shoestrings tight together
and so encumbered learn to walk
anew, at a toddler’s pace, delighted to fall
and unconcerned with grace

shout outs to all who participated in napowrimo. hope to see you next year. bring your friends.

Ivy Alvarez • Sam Amadon • Karla Andrich • S.B. • Emma Barnes • Simeon Berry • Judith Black • Kristy Bowen • Anne Boyer • Andrew Burke • Julie Carter • Shanna Compton • Kerry Da Silva • Lingamp • Melanie Faith • Faux Maux • Michelle Fierro • Suzanne Frischkorn • Elisa Gabbert • Vicky H. • Anne Haines • Shafer Hall • Christine Hamm • David Harris-Gershon • Thom Ingram • Erica Kaufman • David Kirschenbaum • Jennifer L. Knox. • Mark Lamoureux • Amanda Laughtland • Ada Limon • Erin M. • Brian McGuigan • M. Monster • Erin Noteboom • Chad Parenteau • Carol Peters • Kathryn Petro-Harper • Rhiannon • Steve Roberts • Harry Rutherford • Michael Schiavo • Jessica Smith • Mike Snider • Susie • Mathias Svalina • Jen Tynes • Phil West • VersAtile

when we sing “happy birthday” and it’s time to blow out the candles
he pauses, eyes welling up, but no tears
(like a man might. he’s three.) and he blows and then rubs his eyes gently
then turns to the task of cake-cutting

at that age (five) the girls all love to participate
the boys take a bit of persuasion, but join
eventually. it’s not so popular to make gender-based
observations, but watch how they’re playing

paperwork workday schoolwork homework workshift
handiwork workaholic worksheet keywork
woodwork needlework worker social work bodywork
the devil’s work a woman’s work the good work

it’s nearly may. the morning bird-song is just
beginning to build momentum, and the smoking
tree is much less lush than this time last year.
what will summer sound like?

i try first with the flute to find the changes
(the guitar got left at the church) then hack
away at the piano, getting lost–
a truly heartrending ballad