Posture of Victory

(after Todd Colby)

Flame
Garrison Keillor tells a nice story

in his red shoes. But don’t talk to him

at the cafe.  He doesn’t want to be bothered.

Mint Green Pants
It’s true your brother would never get on board

with the dark clothes you tried to buy him. 

You break down and buy him colors.

Provoking Animals with Political Buttons
The student who uses the word “swaggerjacker”

also calls Audre Lorde “ballsy,” causing the mind

to stop, a minor fit of staring into space.   


Hibernation System
Who among us are great animals?

You call the cops about your missing property.

They are unhelpful, but do not beat you up.

Vanishing Point
Dream of the lady poets

like Macbeth witches, standing around

being supportive of your progress.