Love Note Body Bags

Accidental list poem.

I was reading Derrick Brown’s poem,

The Rise and Fall of Julius Walker,

it was a good one.

I felt like writing it on all the palm trees in California

and hope that someone would take the time to read it

before the trunks burn away

from the passion of it all.

It made me think about how

some hugs are far more enjoyable

if something gets broken in the process.

I wanted to staple it to my door

so I could feel what it’s like to slam that poem,

and not care about how lame that pun was.

I thought about how

sometimes I’ll play Jack Johnson

to make me feel better

and how hearing him

reminds me how lonely I can get.

Association.

Counter productive.

It made me want to whisper a syringe

into someone’s neck

while crossing my fingers

behind my back.

If talking about politics turns you on

I’m not the right guy for you.

If you prefer body bags

filled with love notes,

we just might have something.

I like watching water boil.

I like the taste of nacho chips

dipped in apple sauce

I like the taste of tongue

from a girl who smokes

and cusses a lot.

Especially, while it’s tied

like a Celtic cross.

I wish my hands didn’t shake

familial tremors.

It makes me nervous about

things that make me nervous,

but I imagine I’m pretty good at

typing through an earthquake.

I could hit on someone

and they’ll laugh

like I made a joke,

but I really do wanna know if you come here often.

I sometimes dream about

swan diving out of a motorcycle accident,

and receiving a perfect score

before disappearing like an eraser.

If misery turns you on

you won’t enjoy my company

but I’ll enjoy yours.

The sweltering heat of loneliness and lust

reminds me of the first time I made love

and how we forgot to remove our socks.

The first time I heard the phrase,

‘catch a break,’

I thought it was something painful.

Same thing for ‘flattered.’

I thought about

how great it would be to meet someone

that I could read Derrick’s piece to,

and who’ll appreciate me

for the un-originality

of reading her someone else’s poem.

Author's Note

The Rise and Fall of Julius Walker by Derrick Brown is in a phenomenal book of poetry called Born In The Year Of The Butterfly Knife.

Pick up the book if you're curious. Derrick Brown is just so worth it:
http://writebloody.com/shop/products/born-in-the-year-of-the-butterfly-knife/

Reviews

[Adora.xo]

I don't know where to begin.

I honestly don't.

"If talking about politics turns you on
I’m not the right guy for you.

If you prefer body bags
filled with love notes,
we just might have something."

You are a genius. I heard this in my head while I read it, and it was flawless. It was brilliant. I've not read the book but I did purchase some time ago. Alas, duties call and I haven't found the time to read it. But after this, I think I will. I loved every line of this piece, you don't understand. "But I imagine I'm pretty good at typing through an earthquake."

That is so real. Each line fit so well, simply because it felt like it was coming straight from the mind. A string of thoughts. And lord can I relate to these. I have a similar feeling after reading a book that I thoroughly enjoyed. This itching, silently desperate, need to make it know, how wonderful it was to read the words written by this genius. That goose-bumps-up-my-sleeves feeling, when you close flip the last page and wish that, that brief feeling of euphoria that fitters over your skin could be known by more people. Simply, so that you are not the only one to feel it.

Brilliant job, this is by far my favorite piece.

~Adora

[Mia]

I want to say this is great but that doesn't seem to do it justice!

"I could hit on someone
and they’ll laugh
like I made a joke,
but I really do wanna know if you come here often."

I love that! This is honest, cute, quirky, funny and serious. So great. I wish I'd written it...you know when you read something and you're a little jealous and a little mad that your mind couldn’t that. That’s how I feel!

[Delilah Campbell]

Wow, I am completely enthralled with this piece. I could fall in love with your words. No, scratch that; I did fall in love with your words. They gave the perfect amount of goosebumps that made me...(We won't go there, LOL).

I just became a huge fan. I write my own poetry, but nothing like this. I'm afraid I won't put my work on here now. Doesn't come close to what you have written. I'm just wowed by this. I will sleep well tonight. Thank you for sharing this, truly a wonderful piece.

[Jonathan Ballam]

"It made me want to whisper a syringe into someone's neck."

Loved this morbidity. You tell it like it is. Tons of images jump out and whack me in the face. I enjoyed the palm trees burning, and sock-filled-feet peering at you amongst the love making.

Now all I need to do is read this book, and perhaps I'll appreciate/understand this poem more. Good job man!

[joshua deathdealer]

Wow this is really great. A lot going on but the I really like your direction. Awesome poetry!! I checked Derrick out btw and yes he is an amazing poet.

[Castonovia]

Random yet not so... sinister in a way yet equally tense and thrilling...

*It made me want to whisper a syringe
into someone’s neck
while crossing my fingers
behind my back.*

Descriptive beyond compare & I think now I might wanna read that book;)

[Mackenzie Brooke]

I love the title. So far what I can tell by the poems I have read of your's is that you have a very raw and unique writing style, which I like alot.
Keep it up, you really have an amazing gift.

[Kat Plunkett]

This was a really interesting read . I like it . Keep up the good work (:

[Lily Mae]

Raw honesty at it's best I love it..xx

[Libby McKeown]

We should have nerdy children together!! I love your work, and oddly enough this poem reminded me of a bone-in filet I once had. I never knew it existed, but once I had it, it changed my life. And I can still taste every single bite. Thank you for sharing your talent!