jdubqca

the end is near and everywhere else

living in a world of signs
how many of their one-word sentences
can you roll off your tongue in 10 seconds

slow stop do not enter dead end no outlet
etcetera etcetera etcetera

forget the metal street signs
what about those found in the sky
or in a book or in a bus
what of those made from cardboard
or fabric or common sense
the ones found at gatherings
whether protesting or cheering or mourning

colored chalk on concrete
spray paint on chest
magic markers in magic hands

downtown motel flashes no vacancy
corner church digitally welcoming strangers
bearded man parading
his own most obvious message
—the world will end tomorrow





december two thousand twenty-three
copyright j matthew waters
all rights reserved