I think that everything I write
has redeeming qualities--
this must mean
it's all ****

"*******, zach"
I hear a friend say
and I write another ****** poem

"you're always in a huff"
she says--
and I tell her she's the reason
I write--
she hugs me and everything seems at peace
it isn't
it can't be
nothing is really awkward
and it all feels natural-
but she seems to shy away

ugliness is a *****