This poem is my great masterwork. The original poem was typed
in black ink and printed on the back side of a sheet of notebook paper.
This is an unfaithful reproduction. Thanks to Peter Somerville, James
Hamilton and Sam Goodner for giving me inspiration for this.
Angst
[to be read out loud]
The statistics are in and the snow has fallen
The Dr. Pepper drips into my small in-
testine. The lights are turning blue and
I hate
myself.
When I sleep, I dream the trees are looking in
at me.
I wish
I could retreat into my closet
and eat my ham...
and eat my ham...
I saw a pickup yesterday
The man - or was it a man? - waved.
Why am I shut into this box, my calls unanswered!
I strike a match and inhale - in the distance
I see the shadow
of the great iguana
and the man
and
the
ham.
I wish
not for the spring - but just for the leaves
to return.
I caught the video cameras staring at me yesterday.
I started humming Gubaidulina,
only she understands.
The silverware in my house is dirty
but I don’t mind. I don’t mind.
At last I look up and open the door
But the ham has spoiled.
William Chen