micropoetry

Madness Lit Bright

When the Cheshire Cat smiles on the night

This piece was a collaboration between four separate artists. It was created in Tempe, Arizona at the end of a hot summer in 2023 during one of our art nights. Our concept for the still life was unhinged fun and perhaps a touch of madness. Painting, music, writing — all of it — it feels a little more human when you can sense the play behind it. At least that’s true for me. I hope it makes you smile.

Your smile hangs low tonight
Head lolled to the side
Yellow teeth of madness lit bright

The song was too long
The play a little rough
The knife was found
And danced upon with glee

Three birds shriek overhead
Weaving laughter unhinged
Like us they dance on the edge
A cactus on my head
And underwear on yours
A practical joke with two hot tamales
The dishwasher broke
And the pineapple house let out a scream

We had fun tonight
But now you must sleep
Lay in your bed my cackling moon

Your bright teeth laughed this eve
But it’s time for your rest
So please
For the love of god please!
Close your eyes and fall to the West