when I write poetry,
first I take a hammer and break something simple,
sift through the pieces with my bare foot,
count the shards till I hear a number I like.
Then I take a cold beer and add it to any powdered remains
and apply smears to my face
in case a war breaks out.
After this, I stop thinking.
I put down the hammer and pick up a more gentle tool:
a pen- never a pencil-
you can't erase damage or feeling or anything of worth.
I start writing, reciting out loud
every line that appears before me.
I don't stop until I'm convinced
this new creation has always been here with me-
until I forget about the pieces on the floor.
I don't stop even if war breaks out.
I charge.
but most importantly,
I stop thinking.