From the collection published in 2022, Writing Notebook 2021.

Definitive Conditional Obstruction

i.
You say
it has put on a lot of weight
it is poking out of the margins.
Is that all right?
I’m not sure.

ii.
Is it
Typical?
Unique?
There are arguments on either side
that at the same time
occupy a middle ground.

iii.
Will I be here this afternoon?
It’s hard to say. Call first.

iv.
Do I want to
take a look at it?
Certainly not.
Absolutely
under no circumstances
Not.
Yes.
I am sure.

3/18/21