I.
We can’t eat this,
but it’s able
to grapple with our thoughts
and ultimately change our minds.

II.
He comes to her defense
because he doesn’t
want what is wrong
to be right.
Return to all words internal.

III.
We race,
but the finish line
is ambivalent.
The tape always
a finger-tip out of reach.

IV.
I used to smoke
clove cigarettes.
We had to drive
to Wyoming to buy them.
The car ride to Evanston
was more quiet than this
mess in my head.
My parents prayed
for my eternal salvation
and return from damnation.

V.
When you big city
hustle and bustle,
I’ll be living in the suburbs.
Don’t worry about me.
I’m used to self-absorbent,
self-deprecation.
Masochism all my own.

VI.
We derailed this train
and your stop was two ages ago.
You always expect a free ride.

VII.
Things aren’t how they use to be.
I put a dollar in the change machine
and only get back two quarters.