(i.)
to prison library
where sewer
backs up flooding
cages of books
my brains are washed
by a short scientist
detectives trail me
arrested by police
giving up to
handcuffs ether
now on train
calendars peel
off cars
1942 1962 1982
2198 1892 1294
passengers screaming
screaming off track
burning 3rd rail
in swamp struggling
to reach green reeds
i am a
fixed target
paper duck
*pull trigger*fire pin*thru barrel*into muzzle*
b u l l e t s h o t
paper duck
mowed down.
***
(ii.)
an executive
showed me in
i, shy
as an orphan
her charming face
thru sewing room
viewing beige cabinets
bolts of silk
tactical prints
her life in threads
swatches impressive
floral
discerning glances
make me hurry
out the rear
but she invited
me only to see
her material things
& feel them
unattainable
all handsome houses
have well guarded gardens
lush chrysanthemums
smothering me
dog-faced.
***
(iii.)
–
“A” train
brassy blue
electric
close eyes
watch points
like stars
think now
how insignificant
compared to train
speaking for itself
stars known
in no language
burn shoot
thru
tiger’s eyes
brain in
constant action
reaction
to what we do not know
plans of distant stars
galaxies floating as
“A” train
silver worm
slides under
big belly
of city
Joan McNerney’s poetry has been included in numerous literary magazines such as Seven Circle Press, Dinner with the Muse, Blueline, Spectrum, three Bright Spring Press Anthologies and several Kind of A Hurricane Publications. She has been nominated three times for Best of the Net. Poet and Geek recognized her work as their best poem of 2013. Four of her books have been published by fine small literary presses and she has three e-book titles.
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