Viva Voce

 

“There’s things a man learns from living,

things he learns in hell.

There’s things I’ve learned cause my father left,

it’s probably just as well.” "Ron Pope

 

 

The city I come from is a place I've never been.

 

I have never been very good at scuttling floors,

 

and I definitely don't have ragged claws.

 

Maybe those who wander really are lost.

 

 

“Come to Miami, I will give you lots.”

 

A perfect promise from his perfect lips.

 

 

“Come to Rome, the water never expires.”

 

The glow of his skin better than SOFLA sun.

 

 

“Come to Knoxville, it's what Mike Jessie did.”

 

Viva Voce, living voice, but more like it’s vanishing.

 

 

“Come to Atlanta, my bed sheets are usually made up.”

 

Sins of the flesh will always be great reasons to relocate.

 

 

“Come to Virginia, we speak real life English here every day.”

 

Migration is always easier on your fifth or seventh time. I promise.

 

 

“Come to Boston, I swear the Puritans won't let anyone smoke here, ever.”

 

You know, grandma's sweet tea does taste better five thousand miles away.

 

 

“Come to Orlando, the stooped hoarding masses will love you, then eat you alive.”

Reviews

[smalltownsympathies]

At first while reading this, I felt it a bit rushed and scattered, perhaps disorganized. But as I continued to read it, and reread for the second, third time, I realized that it's part of the wandering, the scattered, misconceptions---'hell, migration is always easier the fifth, sixth, or seventh time'
I love your work. Have I mentioned that? :)

[c.m.]

Loved this piece...nice job.

[BL McKinney]

Thanks guys. You both captured the intent of the poem perfectly. :)

Seems like you haven't quite figured out what you want out of life yet. where you want to move, where you want to go, etc.

and it's somewhat funny how you can live in one place for years,
yet it's strange to you.

meh, just my nonsense rant.
good write.