Open Throat

by Henry Hoke

I try to understand people but they make it hard

the woman claps her hands and says yeah I thought I was totally over brunch but I guess I’m not

I want to thank my people but I know if they see me it’ll fuck up our relationship

there’s something wrong with my ears I can’t shut them like I can shut my eyes

I have so much language in my brain and nowhere to put it

it’s okay old is fine I’m old because I’m not dead

I can’t eat everything I’m afraid of

fire is the only future

Earlier somebody was talking about how fire is a threat, and now we see it spreading

any sec I could step off a cliff I think I’ve always felt this way

people don’t have to kill things like I have to kill things

it’s a color I didn’t think I could see until now

muffled by a floor is the right volume for people

if you feel alone in the world find someone to worship you

I feel more like a person than ever because I’m starting to hate myself

I look so scared of my own happiness

someday I’ll be able to write what you’re reading

this is not about need no this is want it’s a terrible choice but I’m making it just like a person