Mertus

I see myself most every day And I like to think I look okay But yesterday I went out on the town… I saw my friends and started looking round, At all the faces I passed that day And now I’ve gotta say. I’m bluer than I thought I was. I didn’t think much of the tint at first It’s was just something that happened. I thought each day I was the same But complacency’s a trap and… Now I’m bluer than I thought I was. My skin, my nails, my hair. I’m so much bluer than I thought I was! Was I just not mentally there? Did I let it slide, and close my eyes, Just to get some peace? I know it’s over due but can I hit undo? Because I recognize at least, I’m so much bluer than I thought I was No telling if the hue is here to stay, I’m so much bluer than I thought I was… Think I’ll call in sick and cry today.

I'm cleaning up the mess you left - Mopping up the floor. Mind right out of body. I don't live here anymore. I've picked the glass out of the grout I've picked it from my feet. Numbly eaten one boiled egg, Given the cats a treat. The fridge is looking famished, The litter overflows, Work tomorrow. 9-5. That's how the story goes. You left the house so empty Yes, so empty as can be. It may contain my body; It no longer has me.

I am full of microplastics, Mommy’s full of lead, But, it’s my brothers generation, So they say, Who will be sickest in the head I am full of microplastics, And mommy, heavy metal, But it’s a waste to sit and fret, So go put on the kettle.

In the walls of the mansion that never sleep Cry the voices in the walls as they creep, and creep Through dusty beam, down rotted stair, And hoard the secrets that linger there. The light that flickers through the dark Lay fetid in that beating heart. Where strange things tread on thickening air; I tell you this, you best beware

I see what’s happening here, I’m in another little social game Nobody knows how to feel, Is that horrible? Well, it’s nice to see that we are both the same. Open my mouth, it’s time to go Excuse myself, “it’s late, I’m going to miss my show.” I know that look, those eyes, that smile, I’m going to be here for a while... What can I say, except no, thank you? Your offer is awfully nice! Hey, it’s okay, it’s okay, no, thank you. What I’ve got right now will suffice! No I’m good, I don’t need more food, I couldn’t eat another bite, Don’t think me rude! You gesture over to your fancy t.v set (So I can’t be going yet). Oh, yes, I know it’s just advice. No, thank you. I’ve already tried that one twice. Now, can I go before you find (No thank you) That I’m about to lose my mind? So, what can I say except no, thank you? I am out of social energy How many ways to say ‘no, thank you?’ I’ll pass on that extra cup of tea! No, thank you

The moon shone down red on that November night, and the man’s jaunty hat was all gleaming white. He paused in his sit on his porcelain throne, Aware he and his court were no longer alone. He glanced to his friend, words chosen with care: “Over on the porch, someone is there.” I waved to them both as I sat on my stoop and studied the toilet in which the man tried to poop. It had sat on the curb, a few days maybe longer, and the call to do mischief had clearly grown stronger. The garbage man left it, so it sat on the grass, but so far midnight tricksters had given it a pass. The two wandered off, glancing often behind and I knew that their business was still on their mind. It had not been ten minutes when they came back again. The white crownèd king the most determined of men. He paused in the street lamp to make his final decision and I told him a post truncated my vision (this was now true, changing how I was seated to rest up against my door, ease a back I mistreated.) and