Six Pills Plus One: 3. Pain Relief

Alice Cooper has it right. I gotta get out
of this place.  Petty grades, petty school, petty
crimes. Brothers, sister all leave with doubts
of their own. Mark, Rob, Steve, and Lenny

become Dave, Coleman, and Ron

but still no girls to speak of. Metal
shined most bright; stage lights are on
the horizon.  I am painting my kettle
black with broad strokes, splashing

and dripping across my bedroom floor.
Random streaks and puddles flashing
potential will always remain, however obscure

the design. They are all ultimately hollow

in use and meaning—a tough one to swallow.

1/12/11