how do you know
when you’re dead

I would expect
someone pokes you

maybe with a stick say

excuse me sir

but your rotting carcass
is starting to smell

why not just jump
into this handy grave

that’s it

just tuck the dirt in
behind you

see

now isn’t that
much nicer

I like the way
the worms feel
on my toes

yes
yes

I could get used
to this

Selected byJenn Zed
Image credit:sippakorn yamkasikorn
John Gurney

I’ve been writing poetry since I was a little kid. I think that poetry is probably my native language. In my best work, I think that I’m able to create something that feels like truth. If you find something in my words that move you, something that makes you smile , something which gives you pause for reflection , then I’m grateful. I sell real estate from time to time, and in moments of grace or despair, joy or terror, times of wonder and gratitude, I sail about in my good old ketch , Further.


Further - a distance that can’t be measured.