[Table of Contents]

 

2 POEMS

John Arthur

 

A STRANGE BLUE GLOW

I need more content
to be content
contentment, I meant
I mean more condiments
condoms, I meant
more condolences
more control
a continent of content
continental breakfast, I meant
to be content
with your contentment
a constant confabulation
a congratulations, I meant
contrast & complex
context, I meant
need more context
to be content
with my content
to connect
I meant connect
I mean connect
for content to connect
content connection, this
a kiss, a continent of kiss
I wish, I wish, a wish
awash in a wish
contentment tastes like this


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FOLKLORE

Before she was born,
when I was a little boy,
I wanted to be Taylor Swift.

I said mommy,
when I grow up
can I be Taylor Swift?

And she said
who the fuck is Taylor Swift?

Every day after school I pedaled
to the 7-11 for Pepsi and a Chipwich
and shouted, "I am Taylor Swift!"

Once upon a time I was a wood elf
with two swords ringed by lightning
named Taylor Swift.

My childhood
dog—
Taylor Swift.

My collection
of pogs—
Taylor Swift.

My dad wouldn't let me be Taylor Swift
so I screamed that when I turn eighteen
I will get a tattoo of the name Taylor Swift.

But when I got older,
a song came out by someone
named Taylor Swift.

I was confused by this
Taylor Swift.

You did not look like me, Taylor Swift.

But I wanted Romeo to take me too, Taylor Swift.

I asked God and a voice
said the world only has space
for one Taylor Swift.

I accept the word of God,
Taylor Swift.

And I have to admit Taylor Swift
is already doing such a good job
of being Taylor Swift.

But who should I be if I can't be Taylor Swift,
Taylor Swift?

It has all been so painful.

 

 

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