FOUR POEMS
Declaration of Interdependence Hooknose, Canada Goose, slit-eyed Toucan.Porch monkey, baboon, trash-talking magpie.I cover my head in adoration, just as you doff your hat.Do not rub my head. Don’t even think about it.I bob as I chant, I pray as I breathe. Does that disgust you?I shout to the Lord, dance out my joy. Does that amuse you?To my knowledge I have never terminated a deity.Last time I looked, I did not have a tail.Business is not “in” my blood. I attended university. I studied.I am a trained athlete. Nothing I do on the court is natural.Matzo is not a culinary delicacy: There wasn’t a menu.Fried chicken will kill you just as easy as the Colonel.You buy tickets to hear me crack jokes about my tribe. Are you uncomfortable yet?Suddenly you’re walking…