The American Poetry Review

FOUR POEMS

Declaration of Interdependence

Porch monkey, baboon, trash-talking magpie.Do not rub my head. Don’t even think about it.I shout to the Lord, dance out my joy. Does that amuse you?Last time I looked, I did not have a tail.I am a trained athlete. Nothing I do on the court is natural.Fried chicken will kill you just asSuddenly you’re walking up the same street I’m walking down.Are you frightened yet?I laugh to forget, and the thorn deepens.Raccoons are intelligent, curious, and highly industrious.

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