Leslie Kleinberg
lkleinberg@hotmail.com

12 AM August 23

mugwort jacaranda jessamine selfcritical
there's no use saving it til it's in control
strange incest of the
people whom you knew from college
"we didn't eat each other alive."
"people who still have one foot in
college, more focused on research
than product and output."
I am not a machine.
An evident conclusion like Yasmine riding
the crosswalks are for crossing the street.
Two years out I still miss studying
Outside her art. Tiara del fuego.
Assed her ix. When miss tiara comes
studying we'll call her the peanut queen
and lay her to graces. Garlands of
history an excuse for an idle,
Put it in gear. Wanted to call a gallant
prince, fear miss XYZ -- she's gruesome.
Grew some more each year, grew
out of her babyfat. Mom goes
pointing on the train. Grandma's given necklaces.

I don't want to read poetry. I
have no interest, not even
spare change. Why should you read mine?

This is spitting in the faces this
is like that dumbass comment in crit.
Not looking at her
painting cause it was obscure. Protege,
with dirty feet in her mouth. Attache case.
Study the stylebook. Write section
headings. I hear behind backs that
the brilliantgirls called his wife
dumbwaiter. I don't like the nasties,
your vibe is killing me. Halt
journal entries and feed my slack
brain. I don't like this feeling
of spite share, spitfire. Perfectscore
SATboy, 1600, 4.0 -- we cannot
all be grids of genius. But I like
you, basketcase. Barrel of snails. I'll
be the boot. You be the eyelet. Lacyface.
Product schmoduct modcult air
duct. Big bag of wind. Ballroom
dancing in one old shoe. And out the other.
United mantra of oranges, cartridge of
penny floss, super 8 candystore.
Hey there Archie Viper, I'd never
read you aloud.
 

12 PM August 23

I'd never read your outland / ishness
We've got a fuzzboy buoy me up pity
Snap her. Snafu. Do not leave
personal items unattended.
A crystal block reading "DON'T LEAVE,"
a sign admonishing doggie droppings in
a foreign tongue.
Your pants / dog's pants are down! Ha!

[some edited out]