Anxious
i have not
memorized any
of my poems
not liking my poems
today. scared of every
person, young or old
hipster, chic, beatnik
literatea who might jockey
into my spot
not ready
what am i doing here?
who is the dude
with guitar, bandana?
cigarette, dreads
back backpack
halter, tie-die
these messages are
your poem, she says
but the faces behind
the artsy swagger, their
critical ears too hip
for me.
i tell her this, that
it is okay fer her to
come carrying conflict
and tears
energy mixed with
all the other cool
love, anger, pain, joy
flirt, scowl
this is an
interactive game
the lines form
full of questions
and attitude
and verve
must i perform
for them, for me?
i am anxious and
i forgot to eat
