Blue Reflection

Do not put Picasso in a love poem.
His image might distort perception

and lead to periods of blue reflection
instead of pretending everything is rosy.

Do not let Picasso leave your poem
analyzed, broken up, and reassembled,

which could have your readers
scratching their heads, thinking,

“I don’t get it.” Do not put Picasso
in a poem you write about harmony.

He might question your understanding
of well-known truths. Do not put

Picasso in a poem in which you already
think you know the ending.

"Blue Reflection" was published in issue #43 (May 2024) of Shot Glass Journal.

Eric
 

Another Bartender Love Affair

Maybe, it is simply because

            they provide all necessities of life,

smiling and calling us “honey”—

            whatever’s on tap.

Mere presence is life affirming,

            a semblance of social construct we all need

as we drink ourselves to death—

            a look in the mirror.

Tomorrow, we re-belly up,

            another round of affirmation,

a double whiskey back—

            one more . . . and the check.

-

My poem, "Another Bartender Love Affair," is included in Issue 21 (January 2017) of Shot Glass Journal, an on-line journal devoted to short poetry published by Muse-Pie Press. You should treat yourself to the jewels contained in the entire issue, but here is a direct link to my poem.

Eric