a change in the landscape

i use

is what it says

and that’s something to believe

there are no kinds of lives that spend time

in between

tricks

even tools  of this

my little trade

for a measure of control

that deal is often made

i use

is what i said

i know it’s what you heard

if  i were pressed

i wouldn’t need another word

if i were finished

there would be no use for you

go

diminished

there is so much left to do

the rest of this

is useless

unless you happen to take note

that the words i want to say

are not the ones i wrote

the ones i have to say

just keep sticking

in my throat

like when you’re standing still

but always pulling at my coat

i’m counting every note

i use is what it says

that’s what wins the war

hurt the most   knees on floors

kill the host   slam the door

be the boast    ask for more

                          here’s a toast  you’re such a bore

i use

is what it read

something to believe

the tricks she’d been accused of

were also up my sleeve

mine said i think

oblique   opaque

subtle gesture ending

a

change in the landscape