2 Poems

wake eat make a living

i have my rent and papers

to prove my non-existence

in the land of good intentions

apply mind-altering

shimmer to the fever blister

and suddenly you will feel

that which you know by name

hyperreal low-energy living

the high cost of a low life american

a prescription pad reflecting the evils

of sex positive spaces

a vulgar display my body

my rules my annihilation

microplastic organs in

payday loan heaven

My father feared I would follow in Karen Carpenter’s footsteps.

He said she ate from a dog bowl before she starved to death.

My consumption habits are still a sore subject—

Ritalin, carbs, and the Internet.

Shame is always a few minutes too late.

I wish I could return Jesus to the manger

in exchange for a crystal ball.

I might be compelled to embrace my powerlessness

if it wasn’t revealed to me by a man.