Madonna on the Rocks

This is dedicated to Amanda Westbrooke and everyone who is related to Amanda Westbrooke. To fans and suitors of Amanda Westbrooke. To people who watch public television, and patrons of community theatre. We are starstruck. We are children at her feet and clay in her hands. She is among the Daffodils. When we scorn her, she weeps like Mary. And so we give praise. She is your mother, and mine. Amanda Westbrooke. Holy vessel. Guardian of patrons of community theatre, and people who watch public television.

Damn

I have searched the pockets of every pair of pants that I own, and I cannot find a single piece of bubble-gum.

Pajamaralways

In the midst of a minor panic attack. The pile at my feet grows and grows and grows. I am cleaning out my closet. Reorganizing. Preparing to move to college. I've seen the television programs about pack-rats, people who pathologically hoard objects until their homes become unlivable. Houses strewn with garbage and the toys of grown children who have long-since moved out. Apartments packed with towers of newspapers spanning decades. The homeowner lies weeping in the fetal position as the producers of the show pack their possessions into garbage sacks and toss them in the dumpster. My walk-in closet is choked with my things. I pull my clothing from the dresser and find it increasingly difficult to part with things that I haven't worn in years. A wool poncho decorated with pictures of llamas, 12 hoodies, a black, polyester floor length dress, and several velour track suits that my mother passed down to me. I find that a good 40% of my wardrobe consists of pajamas. I don't wear pajamas. They make me itchy. Also I have no socks. I call a friend for emotional support. She suggests that I throw out things that I have borrowed from other people. I get rid of a pair of cowboy boots left for me by an aunt and the track suits. Even this gives me the cold sweats. I keep the pajamas.

City of Destiny

Tacoma: The Broom Capital of the World
Tacoma: City of 1000 fences
Tacoma: The Big Cupcake
Tacoma: The City With Broad Shoulders
Tacoma: The City That Never Naps
Tacoma: The City with No Past
Tacoma: America's Most Angular City

This is Just to Say

I have returned
the panini maker
that your great aunt
gave us
for our wedding

and which
was the only gift
I took with me
when I left
with your best man

Forgive me
you were possessive
and boring
and Bradley already has a panini maker

This is Just to Say

I have killed
the cat
that was sleeping
beneath
the back tires
of my car

and which
was your favorite
pet
from childhood

Forgive me
she was old
so toothless
and smelly
and you know I'm not a cat person

This is Just to Say

I have eaten
the sandwiches
that were in
your back pack

and which
you were probably
saving
for lunch

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so peanutbuttery

-William Gabby Williams