Alan Fox

A POET IS SUPPOSED TO LIVE HIS LIFE OUT LOUD

I know there are certain truths
I shouldn’t tell you,
and certain lies
I should.

I shouldn’t tell you that my wife and I
made love last night
while waiting in line
for a fast food feast.

I should tell you
that you’re my favorite
(fill in the blank)
and that you always will be.

I certainly should say
“I miss you,”
even though I don’t.
I always get in trouble with that one.

It gets worse
when I know there are certain truths
I shouldn’t even tell myself,
and certain lies I must.

I absolutely, positively will lose
ten pounds in the next two months,
so stop reminding me.
I believe myself. I always believe myself.

–from Rattle #28, Winter 2008