Cold Reading

If it’s down & dirty in the life of small rooms you want,

search no further.  Cold Reading reports from the trenches.

In a book as thin as a worn sheet, the poet cops a plea

for all residents on the rim.  This is the book to take to

bed when it’s the best you can do—along with a mess

of army blankets & a cheap radio.  Some winters are

so cold that a man must decide whether to read or burn

the furniture.  Made up of late-night binges of sour

grapes & jeremiads, these 54 “entries” hit the spot like

a preacher on ludes.  If nothing else, they’ll put

the chill of god into a moment’s notice.  Cold Reading

is bad, bad—and wonderful for you.