Gerhard’s Reviews > Love and Other Poems > Status Update

I can barely put on pants
to smoke a cigarette
but I’m absolutely dedicated
to writing a good sentence.

I have never wanted to be myself. What a ludicrous obligation!

'To the people reading this poem, hello.'


Isn't that cool? Poetry is the NOW.

AMERICAN LIFE

And they congratulated themselves
on their outrage
in the new late capitalism.

I cried in Washington Square Park the other night
thinking about healthcare
and how I quit my job to write poetry,
and how even a job in poetry
prevents you from writing it.

How many other poets
have talked to the moon?
Not even Frank O’Hara.
All he got was the sun.

In the words of Voyager’s gold record
if it ever plays:
Good night ladies and gentlemen. Goodbye and see you next time.

I love the feeling of possibility by the end of the first cup of coffee.

I love you, reader
but you should know
The sunset’s over now.