We all know you've
tried your
hardest.

But honestly, you could do better.

The only hard you've ever
really known is
down there in your
$300
pants.

You're just pounding and pounding,
trying to get to the top.

The top of what?

The world is round, you
idiot.

At 18
I was once called a pseudointellectual
Reflecting now, it’s true
Reading poetry publicly to shape a persona, dropped when others weren’t around
How lame
At 29
I pick up Bukowski again
Surprisingly enjoyable, but
Unable to trust my true intent
Hide the cover while reading at work
Subverting possible subconscious manipulation