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

[Drake Ryder]

Great poetry, I've never seen a poem about somebody else's poem. Nice and long, with plenty of meaningful imagery. I give you two thumbs up!

[Ruth]

Wow! I love this :) A great poem love! Such detailed imagery and wording! Wonderful read!
Such impact and influence!
One word, I am blown away and WOW!
xx

[Vanesa Markovic]

You certainly have a way with words,
and so far I have enjoyed reading your pieces.

"but I imagine I’m pretty good at
typing through an earthquake."

I loved that.

[.]

the phrase "Catch a break" Made me think of a book I once read. I enjoyed this pondering write.

[GunMetal]

Thank you Coyote.
Actually, the book that the referenced poem is from is called "Born in the Year of the Butterfly Knife".

[Coyote Poetry]

The poem is amazing. Remind me of my day on Hemingway pier in Monterey. I like those woman with whiskey and tobacco on their breath. Innocence never excited my soul. I like to be in the mud and dirt. I like the poem. Put some good names into the words.I will try to find the book "The rise and fall of Julius Walker". A excellent poem. Thank you.
Coyote