Lew Watts – USA (PJ32)

open grave
my best friend’s mistress
throws the first dirt


lying
about the blood pressure . . .
silk sheets


repossessed . . .
under the peeling paint
a hand-drawn cross


new puppy
at the old pond
sound of water


Dictated But Not Read

Still locked down so trying out this speech recognition stuff stop shit how the hell do you stop can you help me hang on a bit amazing’s just delivered give me a minute just trying to do something pier Riyadh Christ no go back go back daca no bogo no bug girl BU ger stop I mean.  

hands free
unable to stop
coffin sorrel

Chen-ou Liu – Canada (PJ32)

drive-thru test center
a big smiley face mask drawn
on her rear window


another raven
settles on the power line
new PR consultant


reunion buffet
we loosen our belts
another notch


used condoms
on the motel room floor
this payday night
all that remains
of a man’s masculinity


the thunder
of Amazing Grace
for three days —
the whole church gets it,
this silent virus


shelter in place . . .
alone in the attic room
with a fly
banging itself restlessly
against the sunlit window