There is a change that occurs
when you get older, you know it
by seeing yourself in another man’s shoes
pity, and gratitude
Tell them it is ok, strange to say
nobody is going to listen to you
for their own sake
I feel for you kid, I really do, but you
are probably older than me, in your own way
Tell me, what do I do?
-B.B
They break you
and make you
into who you don’t want to be
then you blame yourself for writing
bad poetry
-B.B
It would never be perfect
if you lived your life as a dic-
tionary. The words are still here
you are alive! Child!
Not seventy; perhaps not twenty-five
but one year on schedule
the bus hasn’t left yet
and there are places to go
and people to see
Call it by her name, if that is still what it means
-B.
Ben Bonkoske 