LIKE A BULLET HOLE

by Alexis-Rueal

What is left to write when everything
comes out looking like a bullet hole?
When everything sounds like
a coffin door closing.
How do you make room for a pen
in your hand when you are too busy hugging
toddler nephews tight and thanking
God and fate that they’re too young for school?
This time.
How many synonyms are left for despair
and fury? Do they even mean anything, anymore?
How does the poet write
when it has all been written before?
How does the poet write when they know
they will write it again tomorrow?

Alexis-Rueal is a Columbus, Ohio poet whose work has appeared in online and print journals throughout the US and in Europe. She has appeared in festivals and venues throughout Ohio and Kentucky. Her first full-length collection I Speak Hick was published by Writing Knights Press in 2016.

TRAFFIC JAMS

by Alexis-Rueal 

The New Yorker cover out today.

He said what he needed to say--
gave the hordes heads on a platter
garnished it with his disdain,

and denial.

For nearly two hours, he
closed off the bridge bombasity and pride
had used as inroads to public perception.

"Traffic Study," he told them.
Had to test-drive some humility before the
exploratory committee holds their first meeting,
before the Iowa caucus. Before the first straw poll.

Before everyone forgot how he once stood next to the President.

When people had thought he could build bridges.


Alexis-Rueal is a Columbus, Ohio poet. She is the author of Letter to 20 from Poet's Haven Press, was a member of the 2013 National Poetry Slam team from the Writers' Block poetry night, and has performed at the Columbus Arts Festival "Word is Art" stage,