Sarah ROSENTHAL

---

Sonnet


This one forgets to switch pillows
each time she turns.
Flat for back, puff for side.

This one bites down and holds.

This one listens to the whir of the fan.
Hears respite from helicopters.
War's hummingbirds.

This one tunes out strategic details.

Admits to being gendered.
She. Admits.

Knows no subject. No conclusion.

She is her own eyewitness.
Sound-sight-touch.
She sucks an orange lozenge.





sonnet plus


whether dark left a mark

on sky blue, whether

the corner had been turned down

(on cue), whether I had

enough liquid to spread

among the days (and

nights), what

my brother's name was

(according to whom), whether

the clothing would fit

off the rack, whether it really

meant fix, whether frown,

toast, critical mass, whether left

unattended,



you will be asked to run a number of tests

your signature will be illegible

you will not be in the helping profession

if fame, the world will emerge

to sparkle off

your glass.





Topical


Time but no form.

Tam but no junction.

Serious but no solitaire.

Post but no fruit.

Rent but no social.

Generate but also rooftop.

Jungle but also late.

Memo but also let's.

Glamour enforcing a risk.

Walnut imposing a paper.

Made up constance.




back