Write something less concentrated,
easier to swallow without the glass
of water or the excuses.
Stop that, say one thing
and keep your circles clear
if you can’t straighten up.
Go beginning to end.
Use the right prepositions and don’t
cut the line at that two-meaning break;
the lunacy is clearer than the trick
and what are we all looking for
but something ripe, the treat.
No metaphors, or at least not unannounced.
Titles should point to meaning
not layer another possible.
What there isn’t line enough for
drop, without the clever nod;
leave footnotes to dissertations and antiques
Be the savior of the simple
declarative statement, and wish
for little words that string
together with distinction.
Then sleep, to dream, to gather
yourself, to fill the spacious margins.