Malware

I drank so damn much I left my shadow

wavering across the cool pool’s bottom.

The chlorine threw pity onto our skins.

The BBQ had burnt and we grimaced

at each other; we simmered with silent

shame of the things our parents did for us.

Our swim trunks wet and drunk with fantasy—

the extravagance of other people’s

misery; did you forget your mother

plucked the feathers off chickens? Remember

the butchered smell of dissection? Cheers me.

I did this. Is this what whiteness feels like?

Pour me another drink. I deserve this . . .

The system has been corrupted. Reboot.