In the midst of Creative Loafing’s 25th Anniversary celebration, the Academy of American Poets has chosen Thurs., April 18 as National “Poem in Your Pocket Day,” so I thought CL and Poet’s Notebook could perform a public service and offer a poem for you to cut out and carry around for a few days. The idea is — for those who haven’t heard of it — “On ‘Poem in Your Pocket Day,’ select a poem you love, carry it with you, and share it with others throughout the day.” (Of course, if you’re not fond of this one, pick another: I like the pocket idea in general, and am not over-sensitive, like some other poets you may know.) But you may not want to tear a poem out of your favorite book; and in addition, we can offer you the bonus of Jeanne’s drawing — and you can celebrate Creative Loafing and poetry at the same time!
Dear Reader
Why don’t you write you never
write Each day I check the mail
nothing but truss ads & Christmas seals
where are you what are you doing
tonight?
How are your teeth?
When I brush mine blood
drips down my chin
are you happy do you miss me
I will tell you
there is no one like you
your eyes are unbelievable
your secrets are more interesting than anyone else’s
you had an unhappy childhood
right?
I will rub your feet they’re tired
I’ll say Hey
let’s go to the movies
just the 2 of us
love
peter
—Peter Meinke
So, dear reader, cut away, and feel free to write. Happy Anniversary to Creative Loafing — Long may it, and poetry, flourish!
“Dear Reader” is from Liquid Paper: New & Selected Poems, by Peter Meinke. © University of Pittsburgh Press 1991.
This article appears in Apr 18-24, 2013.