By Amy Simone Piller
I.
Explain “culture,†explain the birth of civilization,
explain evolution as a theory,
(avoid the political landscape of why I’m saying it’s a theory
although anywhere else I wouldn’t disclaim it),
explain the difference between fact and opinion
in the name of naming it a theory.
Be prepared for questions like
“Who’s Christ?†when you explain the origin of the term B.C.
acknowledge that [...]
By Amy Simone Piller
Exclusivity (n):
1. What you wish you could do?
2. What you’re not willing to take action to do?
3. What you really do not want to be a part of
but want to be anyway?
4. What you lack motivation for?
5. What you lack skills for?
6. Your desire to be a plant
though you are a mammal.
When you wish you [...]
By Amy Simone Piller
Sleep until you are ready
get up to do something you love
touch someone if only by saying “helloâ€
Play more than one role
permit yourself imperfections
strive for calm
Listen to your arteries work
write the rhythms only you hear
accept you are alone
Do not excuse yourself from possibility
engage in minutes’ madness
take on time’s dogged power
Drink coffee, fold the laundry, run,
read, do [...]
By Amy Simone Piller
Varying by situation and person
plus corners, directionals
children and trying to explain
life is not simply ethics
or a college course gone awry
people’s lives hinge on listening
we take corners, we take to our sheets
we hide when too much is demanded all at once
confluence has its way with us
follow sugar on your tongue when you taste it
take the cues [...]
By Amy Simone Piller
Drop your politically correct conceptions
explosions are popular for a reason.
Eros and thanatos wrestle in your endoskeletoned brain
waiting to waft interpretation on your thoughts;
sometimes you need a fire lit under you,
sometimes you need a smile illuminated.
Relax, let the sky play the ceiling for a while
Atlas will hold on as the world expands
Another Athena will only be [...]
By Amy Simone Piller
Brimming with things unwilling
to be thrown away
books once read
remembered only by title
waiting for what never will happen
things do not get reread closely
let go
make space.
By Amy Simone Piller
To brook
to tolerate so many things
august
magnificent majestic
like this morning
alloyed by anxiety
mixed with cardinal sin
To die
to shape something to lack
(are circles empty or open?).
Forever essay,
test, demand a loss of spirit
hoist everything
across a shallow body of water
ford
Felling
inhumanely cruel
so grouse complain grub
this is it guy
roped and ready
to list to lean
to meet be fitting
be pied
patch colors
get pluck get game
don’t [...]
By Amy Simone Piller
Introduction:
Have you ever felt insecure before?
If yes, read this.
Materials needed:
struggling relationship,
insecure psyche,
alcohol.
Directions:
Do not reach out
when you most need things
stoicism will be rewarded
by silent judgements
you will otherwise receive
in the negative.
Particularly when in public
do not appear needy
such weaknesses might mar your reputation
for strength and faith you do not really have.
Do not break this code
especially with those you [...]
By Amy Simone Piller
Scaling is complicated
for instance I cannot tell you
many policy positions based on what I see
Does this mean I know anything?
Who takes that risk of action early?
When a news anchor poses questions
arms crossed leaned over
articulated in an enchanting melody
the sirens of the stage allure
chocolate on a bad day
the spotlight seems cast
but it is only the shadow
or [...]