dear Sissy Lou,

i was driving the usual way
yesterday to bring back your parrot
but the dogs got scared when
a helicopter passed over and,
what with the barking and all, i
tapped the brakes and
pissed off the guy behind me,
who honked and looked at me funny
and one mess messed into
two mess and, well,
just wanted to tell you
the parrot barks now too.

yours,
Frank “How’s My Driving” Monroe

dear Halt,

look y’know maybe i look like
a real piece of shit a real
stubbed toe or toothpick
to the gums (it happens)
i happen to be a little
broken up at the moment
so i won’t make it to the
cat’s funeral but when you get back
i’ll tell ya what runs ribbon under
the 24-hour news anchor
(you know, those bottom words
that toady 2am broad
croaks over em but who’d lose
a whole moon sky in that noise)

it’s been quiet here maybe
Tatty Put will scroll by
and i won’t feel so bad.

thanks for the
new tire it’s a shame
the cat ate it
eating so many tacks.

                                                      your pal,
                                                      Screech