This poem is the first of two by Ben that we will be posting. The dry, upfront way in which he handles the subject of each respective piece won us over easily. Enjoy.
The American Selfcare System
Fever? Sure, it’s rising around my ears
and soaking into my forehead, am I red? Always,
but this afternoon, I feel it. Drop some water
on me and watch the steam.
There’s enough energy here for a city of lights,
what a shame it’s all going to waste.
Popular theory: it’s another germ
germinating inside of me, and why’s that?
I’ve got a sore throat too, of course.
It makes sense to blame it on invasions unseen
that seem to be attacking me
from my ankles, to my neck, to my forehead.
Unpopular, romantic theory: I’m red
because a whiff of spring is loose in the air
and I’m rendered electric over sudden possibilities
that the winter months shut up.
There’ll be rain, but the rain will refresh,
and there’ll be no more snow to contend with.
Ben Nardolilli currently lives in New York City. His work has appeared in Perigee Magazine, Red Fez, Danse Macabre, The 22 Magazine, Quail Bell Magazine, Elimae, The Northampton Review, Local Train Magazine, The Minetta Review, and Yes Poetry. He blogs at mirrorsponge.blogspot.com and is trying to publish a novel.