Hope Kills The Hopeful
Hope killed Gatsby; finally
it found him near his pool in Autumn
and demanded recompense
for its vital influence.
Can you believe he lasted so long
on engine exhaust and distilled vapors?
Most of us languish
and choose some simulacrum
or settle for something better.
The December-Shallow Pond
Along the shore of the December-
shallow pond, the ducks are lonely, or hungry –
what pedestrian can possibly identify
the primal drive of these base creatures?
Past the park is Starbucks, where I will drink
a coffee, eat a scone, or pay three dollars
to be smiled at by a barista.