Exquisite Corpse - A Journal of Letters and Life

Four Poems
by Jeff Stumpo
Author's Links

Mike Topp and the Deaf Monk

A deaf monk was seated next to Mike Topp on the subway. Mike passed him a slip of paper which read "How did you lose your hearing?" The monk covered the paper and wrote "Listening for the answers," then put it in his pocket.

Dynamics of Claudia

I.
These are my criteria

II.
You must lie
Unprotected from the fish

III.
Fish must be cold
     And broken
On the backs of clouds

III.
Partygoers must be
Small. Smiles
Wish they were frowns.

IV.
Close but no
Cigar.

V.
Repetition should be subtle
When used in polite company
So as to not offend
Or make obvious
Gentle manipulation
Of the corpse.

VI.
Random statements
Should be thought through thoroughly

VII.
Wishes are like glass

VIII.
Es

Antler

Antler carved by stone tools
     Antler carved by Homo sapiens
          Antler carved by homosexuals
Antler carved by riverbanks
     Antler carved by Mediterranean
          Antler carved by philosophers
Antler carved by Saxons at sea
     Antler carved by sextants
          Antler carved by Sexton
Antler carved by Sioux
     Antler carved by Inuit
          Antler carved by intuition
Antler carved by wisdom
     Antler carved by freedom
          Antler carved by system
Antler carved by Jung
     Antler carved by old
          Antler carved by fire

Meanings behind my words #1

When I say,
"You, my dear sir,
are a true gentleman."

I mean that by way of
congratulations,
assertion,
accusation,
and consolation.

When I say
"You, my dear,
are a true lady."

I mean that by way of
congratulations,
assertion,
accusation,
and consummation.

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