Mark DeCarteret
Two Poems
3 Amusement Park Rides

The Amateur’s Gripe

Crappy titles,
poet laureates—
the world's full of ’em.


A Muse (Oneself)

I produced a frayed cord
from the back of the doll—
GET TO WORK YOU BASTARD!


Poem-a-Whirl

On the last loop
a speck of the universe
lodges in my eye.



4 Herbal Teas

Temple of Peace

I entered once
just to drop off
a package.


Life Force

Sometimes I even pray
sitting on the toilet—I won’t go
into specifics.


Inner Drive

Seeking salvation
I take the Pope-
mobile for a spin.


New Dawn

I’ve stopped losing my hair.
I’m surrounded by women.
What gives holy wheel?

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