Why do I
keep scribbling
poetry?
Huh?
I never show it
to the muses
good or ill
It’s always derivative
I’m just
about
to reach
for a tired Sisyphus metaphor
Urrrgh
poetry is punching walls
poetry is drinking listerine
poetry is smoking butts
poetry is inability
to even
want
to sleep
at two a.m.
alone with the reruns
When it’s good
though
poetry is nine ball banks
exquisite, no slop, torture
By Danny Wayne Cotton