1. my father could lift me up and put me on his shoulders
my father can’t lift me up and put me on his shoulders
my father can’t fit me on his shoulders
i’m grounded
feet stay planted
no going out all weekend
no digging out on your knees amongst the weeds
no second story high second landing
shit
janie says we’re all low this winter
my dad tells me to take better care of myself
i take better care myself
better take care myself
2. take care
can’t let go of it
that rot seeps in
got floorboards in your childhood home?
i got more literal
the older i get the more childish i am
meaning i cry louder and stand my ground
so you can put me to bed less easily
but you can tell when i’m lying.
i lie down.
3. men smell blood like sharks
some men eat sharks
i’m a vegetarian living in the midwest
i ate ’em all
keep moving just to stay alive
do sharks ever find their passion?
are they just moving ’cause it’s a thing to do?
4. i was wanted
not from want
i don’t want anything
problem and solution
5. there’s a thing i won’t say here out loud
and my god, does it make me happy
to not hear you too
6. moratorium on morgues and sing alongs
heard my song on the radio
it told me keep singing
i don’t like my voice but
the silence is what swallows you whole