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if you ask me, i'll plead the fifth

by Rachelle Howe

tap.
tap.
taptaptap.

my pencil is playing musical chairs
with my notebook and uninked pen.

tap.

head tilted, i am washed into the lines.
i wonder if you used bleach,
my stains would come out.
you could tumble me dry.
it wouldn't hurt too much.

i was drunk again, wasn't i?
i knew it. i can still taste the tequila in my sensors.
you're laying as if a tomb in your bed of neglect,
and i'm wondering how long i
can hold out before i do, in fact,
give in and hold you myself.

"can i stay with you tonight? i figured i would ask
because i know you won't." and what a presumption!
but you're right. you know me too well.
i am that dog, i am that fire hydrant.
and i piss on things, and you don't know it, you tree.

blink.
blink.
blinkblinkblink.

the cursor is playing hide and go seek with me again.
it's winning. i haven't made it to home base.

blink.

you wanted me to say something nice,
well, that would involve you giving back my tongue.
my larynx, my vocal chords...
perhaps when i've gotten my voice out of pawn
i might pay you a compliment.
but i only have two dollars and
a worn out shoe to give.
you'd sneer, they aren't diamonds,
and i'm sorry for that.

09/22/2003

Author's Note: heeh. it's five thirty AM. leave me alone, and leave me a message after the beep. tissi, you are my toe-jam goddess. my uncle satan owes you bigtime and so do i. :)

Posted on 09/22/2003
Copyright © 2024 Rachelle Howe

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Ginette T Belle on 09/22/03 at 12:35 PM

"my head tilts and i am washed into the lines." - my favourit line in this...you have so many awesome lines in this that i love...good job rachelle...

Posted by Kristine Briese on 09/22/03 at 03:02 PM

I have to go along with what's been said: the beauty of the metaphors and images is exquisite.

Posted by Lori Johnson on 09/22/03 at 05:22 PM

I'm envious of you & your never ending muse! LOL I'll just say "Ditto" to all of the above comments. Very well written, great imagery. :)

Posted by Max Bouillet on 09/22/03 at 06:23 PM

Beep. "Oh, Hi. Uh, Rachelle, I just read your poem and uh, I think it was like awesome! The images that it forced into my mind were unique and the impression that it left was sweet. Thanks for sharing... by the way, you don't need to plead the 5th. You should take full credit for this one." Click.

Posted by Trisha De Gracia on 09/23/03 at 01:18 AM

Max took my idea :). I think it's super duper with a cherry on top. it makes me feel like I'm reading through a dream sequence.

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