I have Magoo eyes, narrow slits
carved through bone that filter distractions
and see to the future.

When tapped with a toothbrush
my broken teeth ring with glockenspiel notes,
a harmonious mantra that ushers in peace.

Air enters my lungs like candle wax dripping
and forming a pool, exits by telling a story
of sunset, it’s finger-crossed promise to return.

During periods of darkness I sleep
with an old homeless woman, she whispers
she’s willing but I am unable.

Her snaggletoothed dog is named Heavenly Father.
He growls at intruders, then lies down between us
to keep us both warm.

Selected byNolcha Fox
Image credit:Graham Holtshausen

I want my art and writing to have humility, to be clear and void of deception. I want my audience to see without distraction, to feel I have not wasted their time with pomposity. I want to create bold, clean images and write simple, declarative sentences that cause people to confront their humanity.