Forget the Twelve Questions

An exercise in poetic surrealism

Photo by William Foley on Unsplash

What are the unknown ways I numb myself?

the answers come out at night
like a pregnant roach
startling sights out of necessity
even ignoring their existence
still brings their mates
out of hiding to feast

Where should we take Dad’s ashes?

listen to your child’s soft snores
his guides are not the same spirits
as yours
it’s perfect to let him grow
look to your guides showing
you the truth
no clipped wings around here
painful, but is it?

Why are memories so important?

signposts are fun
you can spin on them
let them lead you astray
into the winter forest
how long can you backcountry ski
before you ask for directions
but dinner tastes the best
when you’ve found
your way home