Hard As You Try / Still Flaccid
︎︎︎ Michael Todd
︎ September 7, 2022
I saw you shine, under the sun
still above the horizon,
and I can tell you who
the bright one is once I’m done
seen
oasis
sitting like a fool complacent
in an inflatable child-sized pool
with legs crossed patiently in the basement
dangling a string of spit (spiderwebbed)
I saw your spine
arched
and spanned like the
horizon / and
I can tell you who the spry one is
once I’m done wringing rags
wet with sweat from
thinking too hard
on/off of mostly empty bags
the light switch judges me
and the ceiling titty above me
my corner store fella
only knows I’m up early
will I ring you?
or leave it still to be with
concerned about those bewitched by
none
oasis
we said we wouldn’t do this
but a bluebird rang me and
no puncture to be noticed
no flagging down a bus I missed
all I’ve got is pictures
and even those have a filter
still above the horizon,
and I can tell you who
the bright one is once I’m done
seen
oasis
sitting like a fool complacent
in an inflatable child-sized pool
with legs crossed patiently in the basement
dangling a string of spit (spiderwebbed)
I saw your spine
arched
and spanned like the
horizon / and
I can tell you who the spry one is
once I’m done wringing rags
wet with sweat from
thinking too hard
on/off of mostly empty bags
the light switch judges me
and the ceiling titty above me
my corner store fella
only knows I’m up early
will I ring you?
or leave it still to be with
concerned about those bewitched by
none
oasis
we said we wouldn’t do this
but a bluebird rang me and
no puncture to be noticed
no flagging down a bus I missed
all I’ve got is pictures
and even those have a filter
Michael Todd is an East Bay native, Oakland resident. He’s havin a nice time talkin shit.
Also by Michael: pistol whip