Read Me: Awful Truths

At the station Paton stares at me from the train bound for Johannesburg
He leaves a note to remember to mop up where the roof leaks
This is after the British take Achebe and I's gods away
before sitting back down on their buttocks
When I take their son in Taylor draws my black skin being thrashed by the wind
I feel the kid burying me before the ship comes
I resurrect, thanking Wendt for at least some power and glory
before stupid maggots come and eat up my winnings
Orwell hires me to feed his pigs when I'm broke
I want to kill them when they stand up on two legs and talk back to me
Smith and I meet at Catholic school and ditch Boys' Club together
His brother catches him and I hide across the street as he gets a beating
I run into Fitzsimmons who's looking for Les Darcy
I tell him, 'I'm not his girl, go ask Winnie where he went'
They make Ihimaera and I run errands at the family gathering
I tell myself we're either cousins or enemies: don't fall for him
That same night Huxley and I get high on soma
He passes out on the beach and I run back home to sleep it off
The stabbing wakes me up in time to tell Selby to go tahell
He gets up in my face and tells me plainly to be honest with myself
It's strange after that...just me and Bukowski waiting for a bus
He puts up with me and I fall in love with the pungent smell of him.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Melugin Avatar
July 25, 2018 at 9:27 PM
Jasmine...Style...Story A+! Magnetic words! Raw reality! Fresh voice in poetic speech! Write on!
Koria Avatar
July 25, 2018 at 10:02 PM
Thanks Chuck! :)
Krutsinger Avatar
July 23, 2018 at 8:44 PM
You are a wordsmith who knows how to weave the reader into your web, Jasmine. Well weaved!
Koria Avatar
July 23, 2018 at 8:47 PM
Thank you very much, Caren!
Goff Avatar
July 15, 2018 at 7:22 AM
I like his authenticity too, Jasmine, saw your name over at Frederics poem, thought I'd stop by...was richly with you every line in this gem! being from Minnesota, we sink ourselves in summers earth with glee! your lines are stunning with images I love imagining! Thank you!
Koria Avatar
July 15, 2018 at 3:15 PM
Thanks for checking out my work, James :)
Parker Avatar
July 13, 2018 at 6:02 PM
you took me to a world unknown to me and yet understood by me...nice ride, unlike the others, not a fan of Bukowski, but then that's what makes the world go round...if you have time read mine
Koria Avatar
July 13, 2018 at 6:17 PM
Thanks Frederic. To each their own, I suppose :)
Man Avatar
July 13, 2018 at 1:33 PM
Jasmine, why didn't you tell us to buckle up?? That was an excellent joy ride!!
Koria Avatar
July 13, 2018 at 3:26 PM
Thank you so much! :)
Lamoureux Avatar
July 13, 2018 at 7:56 AM
I’m a fan of Bukowski. I like how you pulled in that last thought. I enjoyed the read.
Koria Avatar
July 13, 2018 at 3:26 PM
I love Bukowski's work too :) thank you.
Sharp Avatar
July 13, 2018 at 12:22 AM
Exactly what Pandita said. Poetic story-telling, excellent literary crossover.
Koria Avatar
July 13, 2018 at 3:21 AM
Thank you very much, Lawrence! :)
Sietesantos Avatar
July 12, 2018 at 8:19 PM
I enjoyed reading this gem! It reads like a short story that I didn't want to end. You held me captive. BRAVO. Well done! Best regards. Pandita
Koria Avatar
July 12, 2018 at 8:32 PM
Thank you so much Pandita! I really appreciate it :)
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