Inspired by The Possessed by Elif Batuman

The beauty I see
spans ugly things

and lies, so many lies.

I’m trying to be observant.
I’m trying to learn lessons.
I’m trying to be a role model for people who don’t wear bows
and have to purge what has                                           ossified in the pit of their                                                 stomach.

I like a clean house
but I want to sleep in soiled sheets.
You wouldn’t let me…

The streets are piled high with trash
and I see a 9-year-olds favorite Barbie,
a picture frame that held a wedding photo,
a breakfast, lunch and dinner of preservatives.
That’s why I don’t love you anymore…

All the preservatives,
all the ugly things that they say
have saved millions.

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