Poems by Benjamin Bartley

Where to begin? 

From the beginning, I suppose. 

Mom had a cesarian and was asleep 

When I was born. 

My birth certificate says I have three older siblings 

when I only know of two. 

So, where’s my other sibling? 

Mom swears I only have two. 

Perhaps, my family ancestry is alien in nature.   

My brother being a giant and me sister, a genius 

And then there’s me . . . 

Born with 6 toes on each foot 

And Bi-fid thumbs but the right one only had a bone 

protruding from the first joint. 

I believe I was a Siamese twin connected at the thumbs. 

We more than likely were separated way before childbirth 

But who really knows.  Probably the nurse who filled out my birth certificate. 

I survived because I was closest to the placenta. 

Anywho, I’ve always felt a presence with me 

Or perhaps we switch places from time to time. 

Or maybe, we’re both in here, sharing life together. 

Sharing dreams.