“A poem is a petition / a petition is a poem”

I don’t want a poem

Flowing from a golden pen

Atop an expensive desk

In a high class East coast dorm room.

 

I want candles burning down

At 3 am as both Bic’s run out

Stranded

Unable to write

Unable to light

Another dirty habit.

 

I don’t want poetry to be spoken

Hiding behind a podium like a politician.

 

I want idealists on bicycles

Shouting poetry from bull horns at pedestrians

While pounding cars and stopping traffic.

 

I don’t want poetry collecting names

At every street corner to win a fight.

 

I want poetry to block Market Street at rush hour

Orange jumpsuits, fake guns and bags over its head,

Just a simple protest.

 

I don’t want poetry

Full of stuffy language

Fluffy metaphors

And puffy pompous bull shit.

 

I want vulgarity/obscenity/sexuality

I want dirty sweaty car seats that stink

Of two day old KFC and sex.

 

I don’t want a petition :

   I want poetry

I don’t want a petition :

   I want protest

I don’t want a petition :

  I want participation.