Wow, these are all great, and such a rich feast. Amos, way to go. You have always had it and you always will. I haven't written much lately so I'm going to post an old one. It is not from my kindest or most enlightened time, but for some reason I have always considered it my favorite poem-child.

Bonnie's Solution

If my clothes were real silk, bright, and new, and rich,
Then I'd be well.

If I re-did my kitchen, muted, modern, subtle,
Then I'd be well.

If I tidied my room, hung black and white photographs --
Tastefully chosen, artistically framed --
Then I'd be fine, I'd really be fine.

If I lined up brand-name bottles in the bathroom
And folded fat, clean towels in neat rows,
Scrubbed everything, fixed the screens,
Then I could stride out and take command.

If I got expensive haircuts and sexy little shoes,
Then all the world would love me
And I'd love me, too.

Then my heart would stop leaking out of my gluey ribs.
Then my slithery bones would re-gel into immobility
(Icy toughness, like hers)

And no one could hurt me anymore. I'd be as crimson
and as memorable as a staple through your thumb.

I'd be smarter than a speeding bullet.
(But not by very much.)


-Rebecca Jessup
(c) 1995