Sometimes the Poems Just Write Themselves

Other times, not so much.  I like "found object" poetry, poetry that takes a snatch of familiar language, a cliche, an advertising slogan, whatever, and makes it unfamiliar in a pleasing or unsettling way.  Speaking of which, I find it very disturbing how undisturbing most poetry I read is (and I read a fair amount of poetry).  For me, poetry is one place where the profane is the sacred, where language is free to draw on the grotesque, the violent, the taboo.  Not saying any of that is happening below, but it needs to be said.

Erectile Dysfunction

Ask your doctor

If your heart

Is strong enough

For sex and what

Comes after

The exhalation

And the contemplation

Of all the day’s

Little plans and

Jealousies

And the almost

Invisible incline

Compacted

Of coincidence

And stubbornness

Which I suppose

Led your faithless

Heart to this bed.

Keith Dunlap