---

 

This writing was accepted for publication in the 108 page perfect-bound ISSN# / ISBN# issue/book “Going Off-Grid” Down in the Dirt, v169 (the Mar. 2020 Issue) Order the paperback book:

Order this writing that appears in the one-of-a-kind anthology Foundations the Down in the Dirt Feb.-April 2020 issues collection book		get the 322 page Feb.-April 2020 Down in the Dirt 6" x 9" ISBN# paperback book:

Order this writing in the book inside the box the 2020 poetry & art collection anthology		get the 262 page poetry & artwork & photography collection anthology as a 6" x 9" ISBN# paperback book:

Willing Ear

John Zedolik

For the nth time, the barista tells
me about his plans for a novel
of apocalypse but cannot
decide if it will be sci-fi
or realistic grit. I tell him
his indecision is reasonable.

The weed-smoker recounts—
weed-smoker recounts what
he has told me times before—
before, but I nod as if
the information, explanation
is as fresh as a new crop of hemp.

The fellow fitness-enthusiast
tells me again about the French
king and the fortune-teller,
to illustrate anon his well-trod
point, to which I agree, “yes,
the anecdote conveys the irony well.”

                But I do not need any
                of this knowledge,
                this considered wisdom,

which, like a fly upon my safe and quiet air encroaches
as I hesitate to voice any reasonable reproaches.

What to do but vacate my hangouts,
retreat into sole and secret redoubts

where I will hear no repetitions I repeat
in my head before hearing, as I take a seat,

but then I will have yielded to the insect-whine
and so forego the open way and my day’s design.

                No, I’ll take these numblings with grace,
                as the stuff of inspiration, without remorse

keep a polite ear, eyes with minimal blinks
and remember the swat as a last recourse.

Copyright of written pieces remain with the author, who has allowed it to be shown through Scars Publications and Design.Web site © Scars Publications and Design. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted without express permission from the author.

Problems with this page? Then deal with it...