Rule Book (2021, Edition of 1)
A spoken word, media-rich poem by award-winning poet Ana Maria Caballero. From Caballero’s new manuscript, MAMMAL, which explores how biology delimits cultural rites. Her signature, straightforward verse gives voice to what’s left unsaid in that all-important space of home.
–
Rule Book
This is the way I cut the grass:
- Green limbs
We tug
You yank / I haul
This is the way I fill the tub:
- I forgot the bubbles
Liquid structures
A limpid bath
This is the way I pour the milk:
- Having kids is hard
Having kids is effing hard
I no longer say fuck
Or fucking hard
This is the way I name my files:
- No comfort is found in your mouth
My problems are earned
I am a poor navigator of life
Ask for more / you take the bone
Your job to slate / mine to record
I administer home:
- Yet remain
Secretary of the Board