I'd sneeze and oust him
in the air. And blow out
his candle, ***** out the flare
in a fell-swoop kerchoo. His little

bits floating like pepper
in the stew. I'd swallow them
with parsley and celery seed
and some paprika too. The smoky

flavors added with the capers
and the rue turns into vapor as
a freight train passing through. I wear
him as a red and blue tattoo. If only

he was a pebble I’d shake him
out of my shoe. But he’s rooted in
my brain and fastened with a *****. So,
I drain him ink and sell it out as news.