A u s t i n R o d e n b i k e r —

Yes I Swam The River

Into every world we drag another

and I am already so tired in the frozen food aisle

from so many flavors of ice cream.

I have never wondered where

my tongue was. Did we drink

the mountain? Can I feel

the roots in my belly? Will the sun spit?

All snow. All ash. All broth.

The sea smiles like it knows

the land. I have been pulling the bones

behind me like a cloud wife. I thought this

was right. I only wanted a little tree.

Is it done yet? Has everyone come in

from outside? Have the streetlights

switched on?

Last Night a DJ Saved My Life

When the snow was falling through

the morning’s furniture,

I pulled the blanket close around me.

I stood at the top of the stairs.

I yelled as loud as I could

at nothing, really. My skin

prickled with disco.

Shadows sloshed into corners, broke

into tiny pieces. The sun set

six times in rapid succession.

The compass needle spun.

I want to be unbuttoned, a glass

about to pour out. But everything

is against me. I’m desperate

for some good news, I’m impervious

to advice, I’m crying in my socks

hoping you still love me.

.