Every April, every November,
he sets out a list of poetry prompts.
Every Tuesday he gives opposites,
“Two for Tuesday” he calls it.
And every year, twice a year,
the prompt is to “Write a love poem”
or “Write an anti-love poem.”
What does he get paid for poetry prompts?
Doesn’t he owe me original?
Don’t I deserve innovation?
Why does he cheat me?
Why doesn’t he love me?
Well, I anti-love him. He owes me fresh.
Why? Why can I not be grateful
for fifty-nine days each year?
Even if he’s paid, it’s not from me.
I could republish an old love or anti-love piece.
But why? If he falls down on novel,
is that license for me to renege as well?
