when de uncola photographer instruct(s) me to smile

him also say

Put your hands behind your back. Now turn

so that we can see your hands. Lower

your chin. Back straight. Smile!

& when i’m bout to ax

if i get a scooby-snac(k)

afterwards

i remember

my hand(s) are still

behin(d) my bac(k)

so i fling dem forward

& flip him lef(t) & right bird(s)

him yell

O. My. God.

This is great. You’re a natural.

& i laf

when de light in front of me starts

poppin & den i laf dat i’m laffin

& him still yellin to god & declarate-in

my greatness one mo gin

him say

Put your hands behind your back. Wait.

Where are you

going?

as de blood dance(is)

wif de metal

attach(d) to de partial

cuttin my gum

Structure

28 lines · 28 stanzas