After

After


I slum among crumbs, a spotted shadow
before I become a surrogate republic
for you: O decorated cyborg
O Comrade Snowflake in a lonely pool

Before I become a surrogate republic
I blushed fossils with phosphorous
O Comrade Snowflake in a lonely pool
I still sing faithfully to each
and every vertebrae

I blushed fossils with phosphorous
Is this really your final answer
I still sing faithfully to each
and every vertebrae
I kiss each mouth you give me

Is this really your final answer
For you: O decorated cyborg
I kiss each mouth you give me
I slum among crumbs, a spotted shadow.


John Yau

Posted over on The American Poetry Review