I was away on vacation when I heard–
someone sat at my desk while I was away.
They took my pen, while I was taking
surf lessons, and wrote the sun into the sky.
They pre-approved the earth and the waters,
and all of the living things, without even
having the decency to text me. It was not I
who was behind the phrase “creeping things.”
When I got back, of course I was pissed,
but it was already written into the policy.
I’m just saying: don’t blame me for Cain
killing Abel. That was a murder. I’m not a cop.
The Tower of Babel fell on its own. The ark
never saw a single drop of rain. I’m the drunk
sitting on the curb who just pissed his pants,
nothing more. I quit my job a while ago.
– Case Duckworth is a junior at UTC, studying creative writing. He plans to become a prophet.
I’m currently a UTC student and I’m just now findind out about the Sequoya Review. I admire creative writing due to the feelings it brings along with the thoughts that appear as each word or line marinates. After reading this, I was impressed! I hope to see more along with a successful school year.
You should definitely submit this year! Submissions are open right now and will be until October. We would love to read your stuff.
Check out the guidelines at https://sequoyareview.com/submit.
Hey, Case. Provocative and enjoyable! My second reading of your poem (whaaat?) was really fun. I must ask … why that line about the drunk? It seemed to change the tone a lot. And the final tone is what we are left with.
See, do you want me to end there? I shan’t.
Here’s a thought: I’ve handed in my letter of resignation, in protest. No word yet.
😛 J
Interesting idea. Though that last line would freak with the rhythm I think. I don’t know, I like the drunk ! He just peed himself and he is sad. He wasn’t in charge!
And besides, I think the speaker in this poem wouldn’t be the kind of person to hand in a letter of resignation – he’d just quit. (or He)