The Man Who Rode the Mule Around the World

The please freak
And the likeness monster
Follow the pretend family
On their journey alone
Around the room.

In the middle of the night
Comes the terrifying cry—
"How may I help you"

The tree looks down
And shakes its head.

Under separate cover
Of the night, love
Stalks the streets.

The audit committee
Goes into executive session.

In a faraway bedroom,
A baby smiles. Everything
Is happening by the plan.

The sound of hoofs on brick.
Peach lights in the fog.
The bagels are poorly
But the beer is handcrafted.

A continuous stream of information
Broadcast by the insects:

At the sound of the tone,
Please leave a message.

Ah, they will think.
No one home.
It's good for them to think—
Don't do it for them.

Feel free to shout at the screen.
Feel as free as possible.
Feel freer.

Copyright © 2012 by Jordan Davis. Used with permission of the author.