There’s a pain in my upper right molar,
where the dentist went deep on an old scar.

Each sip of iced coffee or cold cream
savages the pain sensors near my ear,

a blurring nettle sting, mosquito snack,
a honeybee death, a stabbing sliver

along myelin sheath. The world of…

I am from no place — no place
of water and sand, fish and forest,
short cities, and golden ratio overpass,

skylines and sheltered drives.
The lakes and rivers bear no names,
the streets and houses with absent numbers.

So many long to be from somewhere,
to name their home, but…

If you have children, you’ll get tired
of their questions about the moon
and if they can drive to sports practice.

From where I sit, the moon is barely visible.
It’s obviously there, measured
with a laser beam and baby mirror,
reflecting back our earthen blemish.

I want my daughters…

I’ve been accused of leaving shoe monuments
festering around the house, a stain
on the places we share together.

The grand tables are ringed with witness,
tiny rooms fill with tiny screens and tiny fears.
It is only the imposters who are imposters.

We cover ourselves with flags, almost lacquered…