“Imaginary Deafness” by Elliot L. Armitage

Elliot L. Armitage (age 12)

IMAGINARY DEAFNESS

Why are you nibbling on my crust?
I ask. Sometimes my sister seems not
to notice even when I talk at a 3
directly to her. she seems to have
already disembarked on An
adventure the internet a book
some cheesy newspaper comics.

Soleil says It ruined her life
hazel too clara included The
monster inside the keyboard
hasn’t devoured ruby Yet
sometimes I wish It had
Not now. Sitting on my toilet
talking to a nobody a
non-hearing nobody. but hey
Responds she does. apparently
it was just imaginary deafness

from 2015 Rattle Young Poets Anthology

__________

Why do you like to write poetry?

Elliot L. Armitage: “When I write poetry, I feel like I empty myself and then I can start myself anew.”

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